The Search for Humility in Nature
You know the story. Imagine you’re an astronaut on a spaceship, traveling far from Earth. As you look back, you realize all of humanity’s problems, relationships, and stories are encapsulated in that tiny grain of salt in the universe. Suddenly, they seem insignificant, no matter how important they once felt.
This phenomenon, known as the “Overview Effect,” is a cognitive shift experienced by astronauts when viewing Earth from space. It’s a humbling experience that puts our daily struggles into perspective. But it’s not one we can all afford.
So we attempt to become explorers in our own right, seeking out nature’s grandeur here on Earth. We seek mountains, oceans, forests - all the places that are vast, untouched, and uncomfortable. It’s a never-ending quest to find environments that humble us and downplay our day-to-day problems. Standing at the foot of a towering mountain range or gazing out at the endless horizon of the ocean reminds us of our own smallness in contrast to nature’s magnitude. And that’s a very valid reason for seeking the outdoors - a way to recalibrate our sense of self and our place in the world.
I often imagine what it would be like to live in a house with a window overlooking the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks would be the white noise for sleeps. And every time I need a reminder of how tiny and insignificant my problems are, I could glance out that window, watching the waves and the never-ending horizon.
The ocean soothes me. Its massive presence makes me think, believe even, that the world is quite small. Dull. Insignificant. Without it, the weight of existence proves fatal to me.
- The Iliac Crest
I recently read a book where I didn’t enjoy the story as much as I admired the main character’s living situation. They lived in a house next to the ocean, where they could go down to the beach anytime they wanted to feel the presence of such a massive entity. That life is tempting.
We see people moving all the time. From countryside to city, seeking opportunities and excitement. From city back to countryside, seeking peace and connection with nature. I’m sure there are trade-offs both ways and discomforts in both directions. But if we never try, we would never know. This constant movement is our desire to find the perfect balance between opportunity and tranquility, between human connection and solitude. It’s a personal journey, and what works for one may not work for another.
Would a life by the ocean be the one I want? This question remains open, and this post will need an update. What’s certain is that the search for perspective and humility is a worthy pursuit.