How to View the Universe

When approaching the subject of a well-formed worldview we could choose to start off with the tiniest particles that comprise matter or we could start off with a bang and begin with the entire universe. Since I like thinking from big to small let us begin with the entire cosmos. No one knows for certain how this thing began, although there are some interesting theories. Since I was not there when it began, and because I believe this question has no bearing on the instant, I will avoid this subject all together.

I am more interested in the idea of how we view the universe, for this has a direct impact on one’s life. In this I’m referring to ones worldview as a sort of mental observatory and the telescope lens as the filter by which we see the heavens with our mental and spiritual eyes. Although the worldview we choose has an important roll in how we experience and process life, the lens has an equal or even greater influence because this is how we perceive the universe and world around us. In the simplest of terms the most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe. This means that each of us filters our worldview through either a positive or negative outlook. One can choose to be pessimistic or optimistic. 

I would venture to say that in some cases this decision may have more bearing on ones future than even the choice of worldview. Let’s draw from a real life example. I once knew a monk who joined the monastery at an older age. Although we were living in a state of grace and hope, free of the cares of the world, his dissatisfaction with the world, both inside and outside the gates of the monastery cloister, was a force to recon with. The weight of his world was perpetually crashing down on him at all times for he truly believed that the universe was a hostile place. With access to so much he seemed to gain so little. At the same time I had a friend who was a dedicated atheist who was convinced with complete certitude that there was no meaning to life, no purpose, and no absolute truth to be discovered. His belief in this ran so deep that he was convinced that even mercy and altruism were mere social constructs intended as self preservation for the community. Somehow he maintained this worldview yet he was always filled with joy and saw the world as a playground. For him the universe was friendly.

Call me a pessimist, but it seems like optimism is on the decline. The general tone in our culture is one that defaults to a negative outlook. I am certainly not implying that happiness doesn’t exist, but unhappiness seems to dominate. The modern writer Alain de Botton, who reintroduced the world to Maurice Proust, opened his book on the matter with words so precise:

“There are few things humans are more dedicated to than unhappiness. Had we been placed on earth by a malign creator for the exclusive purpose of suffering, we would have good reason to congratulate ourselves on our enthusiastic response to the task. Reasons to be inconsolable abound: the frailty of our bodies, the fickleness of love, the insincerities of social life, the compromises of friendship, the deadening effects of habit. In the face of such persistent ills, we might naturally expect that no event would be awaited with greater anticipation than the moment of our own extinction.”

This description captures how I perceived the world when I was a teenager. I was utterly disenfranchised with the world; this included family life, school, the media, the government, and the postman. My favorite music was punk rock. Favorite bands included Minor Threat, DRI (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles), Suicidal Tendencies and Negative Approach. Yes, that was the name of a real band, and it completely illustrates my point. I slouched around in this state of dissatisfaction for a couple years.

One day when I was visiting my Granny, a relentless optimist, a trinket on one of her shelves caught my eye. It was a little plaque that read, “A happy heart makes its own sunny day.” My first reaction was to keep from laughing out loud for it was the dorkiest thing I had ever seen. Then the phrase wormed its way into my head and made me feel bitter. I felt like those words were glaring at me in a patronizing sort of way, starring me down, or trying to get a reaction out of me. I felt this way because I had decided the universe was hostile. Years later, when I was a practicing Orthodox monk, on my way from one monastery to another, I stopped off at Granny’s house. That plaque was still in its special place all beaming with cheer and delight. The phrase on the plaque no longer agitated me, because by that point I believed the universe was not hostile but friendly. I chose to view everything in a positive light. The phrase was no longer an affront, but an affirmation of my new outlook.

Changing my outlook on the universe from hostile to friendly did wonders for me. With much interior work I diminished a pessimistic outlook and increased an optimistic outlook. My relationships with those around me improved, I felt happier, and all my life experiences both good and bad were tempered with hope and positivity.

The foundation for a well-formed worldview is definitely positivity. However, as I get older I’m not so sure that the question isn’t weather the universe is friendly or hostile; optimism vs. pessimism. I now believe there is a three different ways of viewing the universe. This third option is more subtle, elusive and rare. I learned that some people are pessimistic and some are optimistic. I think it is better to simply be a mystic. The third option is a mystical view of the universe where there is neither positive nor negative. We will cover this concept towards the end of this book.

At a young age we all stand at a philosophical fork in the road, or should I say trident in the road. We all end up choosing a direction or a primary worldview, and this becomes the foundation for how we see and understand the world. Over time, as we interact with the world we add and subtract minor philosophies and beliefs. When we read books, watch movies, study in school, listen to peers, learn from teachers, watch the news, and observe the world around us we acquire new ideas, thoughts, opinions, and beliefs. We are perpetually interpreting, modifying, tweaking, and refining as we acquire new information. Yes our worldview is ever-changing, but most of us don’t stray too far from the original primary worldview.

Building a worldview is similar to the construction process. A good analogy can be drawn from building that observatory that we first mentioned. First one must pick the very best spot to observe the universe. A mountain generally provides the best view. Once the site is chosen the foundation is constructed. This is the primary worldview upon which everything else will stand. From this we construct an elaborate framework of walls, staircases, ceilings and floors, all of which are the specific ideas, dogmas, tenants and beliefs—all the details, nuts and bolts. Finally, using either brilliant or drab colors, we paint the structure with opinions, whims, feelings and emotions. Lastly, we install the lens or telescope.