Quote by John Green
Human existence is temporary and all the knowledge of the universe we acquire will in time be forgotten because there will be no humans left to benefit from any of the stuff we learned.And yet, this doesn't invalidate scientific exploration to me. We seek to understand the universe because it makes our lives better and more rich. Similarly, we tell stories (and think about why and how to tell stories) because it makes human existence richer. Made-up stories matter. They bring us pleasure and solace and nurture empathy by letting us see the world through others' eyes. They also help us to feel unalone, to understand that our grief and joy is shared not just by those around us but by all those who came before us and all those still yet to come.
Summary
This quote acknowledges the transient nature of human existence and the inevitable fact that all knowledge we accumulate will eventually be forgotten. However, this does not diminish the value of scientific exploration. The quest to understand the universe enhances our lives and deepens our experiences. Similarly, storytelling holds significance as it adds richness to human existence. Fictional narratives offer pleasure, comfort, and help us cultivate empathy, allowing us to perceive the world from different perspectives. Moreover, stories bring the realization that our emotions and experiences are shared, connecting us with those who preceded and will follow us.
By John Green
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