“The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or a hostile universe.” These words are from Albert Einstein, a man known for rational intelligence and scientific curiosity. Einstein studied the physical universe, which we tend to think of as neutral. We don’t often stop to wonder about its attitude towards us. The idea even sounds absurd – why would the universe have an opinion about us personally? It doesn’t have feelings, does it?
Yet Einstein, known for his intelligence, considered this our most important decision. Note, he didn’t say: the most important decision we can make – that would suggest that we sit down and consciously consider whether the universe loves or hates us, something probably very few ever do. Rather, he called it the most important decision we do make, implying that most of us have already made the decision, consciously or not.
I can’t speak for Einstein, but there is plenty of evidence that our relationship with the universe, largely unconscious and hard-wired, makes a huge difference to our lives. If we believe we are born into a hostile environment, our main emotions are fear, suspicion and hypervigilance. The actions stemming from those emotions – like withdrawal, utilitarianism or even aggression – lead to further experiences that confirm our pre-existing belief. In fact, we can find ourselves self-sabotaging, simply because it feels easier than waiting for the inevitable moment when our plans are undone by bad luck, or other people.
Conversely, believing that the universe is a friendly place engenders curiosity, gratitude, awe and a strong desire to contribute, leading to a rewarding feedback cycle. Thus, our attitude makes all the difference – but until we stop to reflect, we hardly realise that we have an attitude at all.
Stephanie Hills ©