Between Humans and the Universe: All We Have are the Connections We Make

What Do We Do with the Universe?

We Gaze

“Wonder is the beginning of all wisdom,” says Aristotle in Metaphysics.
“And looking into the starry sky is the beginning of wonder,” say I.

 

Andrew Yang starts his Interviews with the Milky Way by asking his mother, Ellen,

When you were a child, did you ever look up at the stars?”

For Ellen, childhood has long departed, as the moon has dyed all her hair. However, she answers with the greatest clarity,

Oh yes, oh yes,” she replies, “we were trying to see the milky way.”

screen-shot-2016-10-05-at-15-53-56

Gazing into the sky and wondering about the universe is not an experience limited to any one generation. Andrew makes it clear that it is so profoundly shared by human beings that it almost becomes an instinct. Later in the interview, he talks about his daughter, Stella, who asks him since the outer space is above the sky, what is above the outer space.

The directional and intentional gaze into the night sky, then, is our first conscious encounter with the universe. Because of the gaze, the universe enters our sight and our mind. Now, it does not only objectively exist, but also exists to us.

 

We Know

In our galaxy, there are at least 100 billion stars.
In an infant, hydrogen makes up 9.5% of its body weight, carbon, 18.5%, and oxygen, 65%.
In A Beach and All Things Being Equal, we are educated of these pieces of information.

fullsizerender

 

While it is true that wisdom starts with wonder, it does not end with wonder. Instead, we study and seek answers to our wonders. Just like Jeff, an astrophysicist says in Interviews with the Milky Way, “The most important thing you know about the universe is that, it is comprehensible.” That is, we can know about the universe.

After we gaze at things in the universe, we name them, analyze them, and attach information to the names. As a result, we pin the things down, and “know” the universe. In other words, things in the universe do not disappear or get lost as we move our eyes away, but are captured by us because we “know” them, just as Andrew makes a beach of 100 billion grains of sand, and just as he lists the chemical component of his daughter.

 

We Identify

In All Things Being Equal, tap water, rock sugar, canola oil, powdered L-Arginine, three oyster shells, baking powder and vinyl are placed in seven glass containers. According to a calculation next to the piece, these object and Andrew’s daughter, the new-born Stella share 99% of chemical elements.

img_2520

In The Way Within, we see a table of objects ranging from a rock to a juice container, from a shell fish to a Ming lock, and from maple leaves to Lego pieces. All objects are mild in color, with pale turquoise on one side of the table, and blanched almond on another. When placed together, they display a surprising unity. At a point, you feel they are more similar than different because of their color, shape, size, and even the vibes they are giving out, and the distinction between “natural” and “man-made,” between “nature” and “culture” starts to seem arbitrary.

fullsizerender-2

In Interviews with the Milky Way, Jeff agrees that he sometimes “thinks of himself as the Milky Way,” whereas Ellen calls the Milky Way “the ultimate life giving entity,” that is, a mother just like herself.

As we gather more facts and know more about the universe, we naturally form feelings about it and express them. Andrew’s art is one such example, announcing this sense of identification:

Our bodies are similar to the bodies of other galactic matters.
Our products of culture are similar to the products of nature.
We are similar to the universe.

All We Have are the Connections We Make

Andrew’s project walks us through what we do with the universe, from gazing, to knowing, to identifying. The underlying and overarching in all three becomes more evident as we go further. That is, they are all ways in which we connect with the universe, and one deeper than another.

By gazing, we connect. We stretch the invisible line between our eyes and the object, and realize not only we ourselves exist, other things in the universe, too, exist. That is, we share the time and space with objects in the universe.

By knowing, we connect. We use the human faculty to understand, so that objects reside in our minds as ideas. That is, we incorporate as part of us the objects in the universe.

By identifying, we connect. We acknowledge shared natures we have with objects in the universe. That is, we are the objects in the universe.

Andrew’s project not only reminds us of these connections, but also their importance. Being vast and grand, the universe does not intimidate us mortal beings. Instead, it empowers us. On the one hand, we are promised of knowledge, that we can know things beyond ourselves. Jeff says that because studying the universe makes him realize he is able to contemplate about things beyond himself and beyond people, it gives him a sense of “wellbeing.” On the other hand, we are assured of company, that we are not the lonely powerless beings, but have connections to something eternal. Ellen says that when she dies, rather than going to the heaven, she would prefer to be attached to a star, and that would make her “feel better.”

In other words, through the connections with the universe, we are able to obtain knowledge and feel that we belong, both conducive to happiness. And happiness, according to Aristotle, is the ultimate human end.

 

To Connect, to Connect Deeper

The project, however, is not just a reminder. Instead, it encourages, and even urges us to actively make these connections ourselves because these connections do not necessarily come naturally. As Ellen remarks, “Where I lived the sky was clear. You could see stars. But when [Stella] looks into the sky, she sees something entirely different than I did at the same age.” Andrew addresses the issue that light pollution denies access to the night sky from urban dwellers, and creates A Beach to “substitute” the Milky Way. The installation of seven tons of sand, although of course not the Milky Way, pushes the urban dwellers who go into the dim room filled with white noise to think of the Milky Way, and identify with the Milky Way.

Also, Andrew is inspiring his audience to make deeper connections with the universe. Whereas science gathers facts and data, art arouses human emotions, thus striking directly at the core of human soul. With science, we can know the chemical component of a human infant and of the inanimate objects in the universe. However, when Andrew juxtaposes the two in All Things Being Equal, he sets the example that art brings the connection of “knowledge” to the higher level of connection, that is the connection of “identification,” leaving a stronger impression and impact on the audience.

 

The project is utterly beautiful.

I have often wondered why at the moments when we look up into the sky, when it cannot be clearer that we are small and we are mortal, we rarely feel worthless.
Andrew seems to be providing this poetic answer: Through a gaze, and starting from the gaze, we make connections with the universe. We become part of it, we get to know it, and we become it.

Saved by a gaze, we are not at all small, not at all mortal, and not at all worthless.

1,075 Comments

  • UPSers commented on June 5, 2024 Reply

    I’d should consult you here. Which isn’t some thing I usually do! I quite like reading a post that will make people believe. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment! سایت مای مدیو

  • UPSers commented on June 6, 2024 Reply

    Many within the comment attempts on my blogging site have been completely crafted employing automated software programs. The bottom line with respect to commenting software is this. Its nothing at all more than an arms race involving people that utilize it and search engines like yahoo. sdtoto

  • UPSers commented on June 6, 2024 Reply

    An example of this is Atypical Mole Syndrome. This syndrome brings about a tendency inside the physique to kind an abnormal amount of moles on our skin. This is some thing that we could have obtained from our parents or our grandparents and we’ve no manage over regardless of whether we obtain it or not. sdtoto

  • พริตตี้บาคาร่า โปรโมทชั่น commented on June 6, 2024 Reply

    You never really let me down. I really enjoyed seeing you write such great articles. พริตตี้บาคาร่า โปรโมทชั่น

  • Harry commented on June 7, 2024 Reply

    Really impressed! Everything is very open and very clear clarification of issues. It contains truly facts. Your website is very valuable. Thanks for sharing. link alexistogel

  • gocengqq commented on June 8, 2024 Reply

    From Mild to Wild: The Most Stimulating Sex Stories to Fulfill Your Cravings bokep mama

  • bubu commented on June 8, 2024 Reply

    Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on! 총판커뮤니티

  • Harry commented on June 8, 2024 Reply

    Hi, I log on to your new stuff like every week. Your humoristic style is witty, keep it up alexistogel

  • win commented on June 9, 2024 Reply

    บีวิน The best popular casin0 game

  • bgjago55 commented on June 9, 2024 Reply

    TOGEL88 | DAFTAR TOGEL88 | LOGIN TOGEL88 | TOGEL88 ASIA Daftar segera di situs Togel88 untuk mulai bermain permainan online terlengkap. Situs gacor gampang maxwin. Berapapun kemenangan Anda pasti akan terbayar lunas. Jaminan 100% Privasi dan keamanan Anda terjaga dengan baik bersama situs terbaik dan terpercaya Togel88.

  • metal551 commented on June 9, 2024 Reply

    TOTOGEL | DAFTAR TOTOGEL | LINK ALTERNATIF TOTOGEL | Daftar segera di situs TOTOGEL untuk mulai bermain permainan online terlengkap. Situs gacor gampang maxwin. Berapapun kemenangan Anda pasti akan terbayar lunas. Jaminan 10z0% Privasi dan keamanan Anda terjaga dengan baik bersama situs terbaik dan terpercaya TOTOGEL.

  • 토토사이트 commented on June 11, 2024 Reply

    In a release from 8 November 2023, the Royal Navy disclosed that it had shadowed a Russian naval frigate from the North Sea through the English Channel. 토토사이트

  • chandra commented on June 11, 2024 Reply

    TOGEL88 | DAFTAR TOGEL88 | LOGIN TOGEL88 | TOGEL88 ASIA Daftar segera di situs Togel88 untuk mulai bermain permainan online terlengkap. Situs gacor gampang maxwin. Berapapun kemenangan Anda pasti akan terbayar lunas. Jaminan 100% Privasi dan keamanan Anda terjaga dengan baik bersama situs terbaik dan terpercaya Togel88.

  • chandra commented on June 11, 2024 Reply

    TOTOGEL | DAFTAR TOTOGEL | LINK ALTERNATIF TOTOGEL | Daftar segera di situs TOTOGEL untuk mulai bermain permainan online terlengkap. Situs gacor gampang maxwin. Berapapun kemenangan Anda pasti akan terbayar lunas. Jaminan 10z0% Privasi dan keamanan Anda terjaga dengan baik bersama situs terbaik dan terpercaya TOTOGEL.

  • john williams commented on June 12, 2024 Reply

    Thanks for sharing the article, and more importantly, your personal experience! Mindfully using our emotions as data about our inner state and knowing when it’s better to de-escalate by taking a time out are great tools. Appreciate you reading and sharing your story, since I can certainly relate and I think others can too.

    Free Download Vector Design For International Clients(United States of America)

  • jepangbet commented on June 13, 2024 Reply

    In the Heat of the Moment: The Temptations and Consequences of Young Adult Sexual Encounters situs judi slot online resmi luar negeri

  • casinositetopcom commented on June 14, 2024 Reply

    Outstanding post once again. I am looking forward to more updates.카지노사이트탑

  • Harry commented on June 14, 2024 Reply

    Cheap Gucci Handbags Is usually blogengine much better than wp for reasons unknown? Should be which is turning out to be popluar today. alexistogel

  • lumisandiego commented on June 15, 2024 Reply

    Well I definitely enjoyed studying it. 토토사이트 모음

  • xyrillsandejas commented on June 15, 2024 Reply

    I’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to achieve my goals. 온라인카지노사이트

  • ติดต่อคาสิโนคลิปโต commented on June 17, 2024 Reply

    You put really very helpful information. ติดต่อคาสิโนคลิปโต Thank you so much Keep it up.

  • สมัคร bet game commented on June 17, 2024 Reply

    This is what I want from you. Can’t find any other articles that can compare with yours, that’s great. สมัคร bet game

  • เกมส์ pg slot ลิ้งค์รับทรัพย์ commented on June 18, 2024 Reply

    Thanks for writing such useful content, I like your style of writing and frequently read your content. เกมส์ pg slot ลิ้งรับทรัพย์

  • game bài đổi thưởng uy tin commented on June 18, 2024 Reply

    Your article not only provided valuable information but also sparked introspection and reflection on my part. game bài đổi thưởng uy tin

  • hot graph commented on June 20, 2024 Reply

    I appreciate the thoughtfulness and care with which you approached your subject matter.
    hot graph

  • casper commented on June 20, 2024 Reply

    This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don’t forget, keep sharing useful info: a course in miracles

  • Harry commented on June 21, 2024 Reply

    Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you! alexistogel

  • bokep commented on June 22, 2024 Reply

    The Forbidden Pleasures: A Tale of Young Adults and Their Love for Indonesian Bokep bokep indo

  • Harry commented on June 22, 2024 Reply

    Immigration… […]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[…]… a course in miracles

  • UPSers commented on June 22, 2024 Reply

    I don’t normally comment but I gotta tell appreciate it for the post on this great one : D. 日語課程

  • UPSers commented on June 22, 2024 Reply

    I found so many interesting stuff in your blog!! especially its discussionLaugh ing From the tons of comments on your articlesSmile I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment hereSmile Keep up the excellent work!! 日語課程

  • casinositezone commented on June 23, 2024 Reply

    I think this is among the most important information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things,
    The website style is ideal, the articles is really nice : D.
    Good job, cheers

    https://www.casinosite.zone/

  • UPSers commented on June 23, 2024 Reply

    Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated. hongtogel

  • UPSers commented on June 23, 2024 Reply

    I was examining some of your content on this website and I believe this web site is real informative! Keep posting. fyp 代做

  • คาสิโน commented on June 24, 2024 Reply

    Nice post! Well written !! I have got the best insights regarding. I look forward to reading many more informative posts similar to this
    คาสิโน

  • trang cá cược commented on June 24, 2024 Reply

    I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with your ideas and perspectives. trang cá cược

  • UPSers commented on June 24, 2024 Reply

    Hello there, I found your site via Google while looking for a related topic, your website came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. 外籍老師

  • สมัครเว็บหวย ธกส commented on June 25, 2024 Reply

    Your reading thinking ability must be great. therefore can be conveyed in this article. สมัครเว็บหวย ธกส

  • Harry commented on June 25, 2024 Reply

    Thank you, I’ve just been searching for information about this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure concerning the supply? Pasaran Togel

  • Harry commented on June 25, 2024 Reply

    Your article has proven useful to me. It’s very informative and you are obviously very knowledgeable in this area. You have opened my eyes to varying views on this topic with interesting and solid content. alexistogel

  • caper commented on June 25, 2024 Reply

    When visiting blogs, i usually discover a very good content like yours ارخص شركة نقل عفش بالرياض

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *