Maybe you’ve felt it when you look at the stars at night, or see a picture of earth from space.
It’s what French philosopher and Stoic scholar Pierre Hadot called that “oceanic feeling,” which overcomes us when we zoom out our awareness and notice our insignificance against the vast scope of the earth, our universe, or time itself.
In one sense it’s humbling. We might feel adrift when we realize how little our lives and personal concerns matter in the grand scheme of things. Why try when what you do has little significance?
But it can also be elevating. When we look beyond our personal focus we notice that we belong to something far larger and greater.
As the philosopher Seneca said, “We are members of one great body, planted by nature … We must consider that we were born for the good of the whole.” Letters 95.52
That take can make the difference between nihilism and purpose.
Because once we see our connection, we recognize, as Marcus Aurelius did, that “What brings no benefit to the hive brings none to the bee.” (Meditations 6.54)