Eternity of the stars and a moment of human life Automatic translate

Philosophical reflections on the transience and meaning of life are an attempt to understand how we, humans, find meaning in our existence in the face of inevitable death and the infinity of space. These themes are particularly relevant in the Russian cultural context, where religious, scientific and philosophical ideas are historically intertwined. Research shows that awareness of the transience of life prompts us to seek values ​​that give meaning to our actions.

We are keen to understand how the infinity of space, the transience of time, human values ​​and cultural practices shape our perception of life. We will draw on philosophical traditions including Russian cosmism, existentialism and the ideas of Leo Tolstoy to offer insightful analysis of these themes.

The Infinity of Space and Our Place in the Universe

Modern cosmology reveals the scale of the universe that emerged some 13.8 billion years ago in the Big Bang. The Milky Way, our galaxy, contains more than 100 billion stars, and the universe contains hundreds of billions of galaxies. In the face of such vastness, the life of a single human being seems insignificant.

Russian cosmism, however, offers a unique perspective on the issue. This philosophical movement, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, combines science, religion, and metaphysics into a single worldview. Nikolai Fyodorov, one of the key figures, believed that humanity should use science to achieve immortality and resurrect ancestors. He argued: “to regulate the forces of nature, conquer death, and bring ancestors back to life so that they too can participate in the general resurrection.”

Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, another important figure, pioneered cosmonautics by developing the theoretical foundations of rocketry. His work inspired the Soviet space program, including Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 flight. Tsiolkovsky wrote, “The Earth is the cradle of humanity, but one cannot live in the cradle forever,” emphasizing the need to explore space. His ideas about colonizing the Milky Way and panpsychism reflected a belief in humanity’s cosmic destiny.

This view contrasts with the sense of insignificance that an awareness of cosmic scale can evoke. Russian cosmism offers not passive acceptance but an active desire for transformation, inspiring modern thinkers and scientists such as Elon Musk to pursue projects to colonize Mars.

Finding meaning in mortal life

The realization of the frailty of life often leads to existential crises. Leo Tolstoy, one of the greatest Russian writers, described his own crisis in his work Confession, written in 1879–80. At the age of about fifty, he faced the question: “If there is no God, and death is inevitable, what is the meaning of life?” Without an answer to this question, life became “impossible” for him.

Tolstoy explored philosophy, theology, and science but found no satisfactory answer. He eventually came to believe in God and the conviction that true happiness was possible through living a simple moral life and helping others. He used the metaphor of a man clinging to a branch in a well, with a dragon (death) below and two mice (night and day) gnawing on the branch, symbolizing the inexorable passage of time. This metaphor highlights the fragility of human existence and the need to find meaning despite the inevitability of the end.

Existentialists such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus also argued that life has no predetermined meaning. Sartre said that “existence precedes essence,” meaning that a person first exists and then defines themselves through their actions. Camus, on the other hand, saw life as absurd, but suggested living with passion in rebellion against that absurdity. These views highlight how the awareness of impermanence encourages us to create our own meaning.

In the Russian context, such reflections are reflected in literature, for example in the novels of Dostoevsky, where characters often confront questions of faith, morality and the meaning of life, especially in The Brothers Karamazov with its famous Grand Inquisitor scene.

Human values ​​and their role in life

Despite their apparent meaninglessness on a cosmic scale, people find meaning through their values. Research shows that values ​​such as love, family, creativity, scientific discovery, and helping others give life meaning.

In the Russian cultural context, the idea of ​​sobornost – unity and mutual assistance in a community – occupies a special place. This idea is historically important, reflected in philosophy, literature and everyday life. For example, Tolstoy’s works, such as War and Peace, emphasize the importance of collective efforts and spiritual unity.

Values ​​also evolve over time. In modern society, individual freedoms and self-expression are increasingly important, but traditional values ​​such as caring for family and respect for elders remain important. These values ​​help us feel part of something bigger, especially when we are faced with a sense of insignificance in the face of the cosmos.

The transience of time and its philosophical understanding

Time is another aspect that reinforces the awareness of impermanence. Philosophers have different approaches to understanding it. Stoics like Marcus Aurelius advised accepting the present and not worrying about the future, focusing on what is under control. Existentialists, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of decisions that shape our future, emphasizing freedom of choice.

In Russian culture, time is often depicted as fleeting. For example, in the poetry of Alexander Pushkin, such as “I Remember a Wonderful Moment,” the value of each moment is emphasized. In Dostoevsky’s literature, time plays a key role in the development of characters, reflecting their internal conflicts and search for meaning.

The realization that time is passing quickly, especially as we age, can be alarming, but it can also motivate us to value each day. It prompts us to ask questions: How are we using our time? What actions will leave a mark on us?

Cultural Practices and Death

Death is an inevitable part of life, and how we approach it reflects our philosophical and cultural beliefs. Different cultures have different rituals, such as traditional funerals or cremations, that symbolize how we approach the end of life.

In Russia, especially during the Soviet era, cremation became more widespread as a rational and secular approach, linked to atheistic ideology. Historically, cremation was banned by the Russian Orthodox Church, but in the 20th century, with the opening of the first crematoria, such as in Petrograd in 1920 and in Moscow in 1927, it became popular.

Today, Moscow has several crematoriums, such as the Mitino Crematorium, which opened in 1985 and can perform about 30 cremations a day. Cremation is a common practice, reflecting perhaps a more modern and rational view of death, focusing on legacy and memory rather than traditional funeral rites.

This approach can be linked to the ideas of Russian cosmism, where science and technology are used to overcome natural limitations, including death. Cremation, in this context, can be seen as a step towards liberation from superstition and a focus on the future, which echoes Tsiolkovsky’s vision of humanity’s cosmic destiny.