Quote by Leo Tolstoy

How good is it to remember one's insignificance: that of a man among billions of men, of an animal amid billions of animals; and one's abode, the earth, a little grain of sand in comparison with Sirius and others, and one's life span in comparison with billions on billions of ages. There is only one significance, you are a worker. The assignment is inscribed in your reason and heart and expressed clearly and comprehensibly by the best among the beings similar to you. The reward for doing the assignment is immediately within you. But what the significance of the assignment is or of its completion, that you are not given to know, nor do you need to know it. It is good enough as it is. What else could you desire?

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe. It highlights the vastness of existence and the countless individuals and entities that exist alongside us. The quote suggests that although we may be small in comparison, we derive significance from fulfilling our role as workers. The purpose we find within ourselves and the satisfaction we experience from fulfilling our assignments are considered rewarding enough. The quote emphasizes contentment with this understanding and suggests that knowing the ultimate significance or outcome is unnecessary and immaterial. It prompts us to appreciate the intrinsic value of our work without seeking further desires.