Look Up and Be Curious: Wondering About the Universe and What’s Bigger Than Us

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” These words from Stephen Hawking invite us to pause, to wonder, and to expand our perspective beyond the immediacy of our daily lives. They remind us that there is so much more to existence than what we see at eye level—there is the vastness of the universe and the endless possibilities it holds.

Let’s embark on a journey of curiosity. Let’s explore what it means to look beyond ourselves, to imagine the unimaginable, and to consider the divine or the infinite. Let’s be curious, seek, and find.

What Do You See When You Look Up?

When you look up at the stars, what do you see? Do you see constellations, stories woven through history? Do you feel small and insignificant, or connected to something far greater? Take a moment to reflect: What does the night sky mean to you?

Thought-provoking question: When was the last time you truly gazed at the stars? What emotions or thoughts did it stir within you?

Insight: The stars are a constant, yet they change with the seasons. They’re a reminder that life, like the universe, is ever-evolving. Looking up can ground us by showing us how vast and interconnected existence truly is.

What Makes the Universe Exist?

Science offers explanations: the Big Bang, dark matter, quantum mechanics. But beyond the equations lies mystery. What set it all into motion? What force or intention holds the universe together? Some call it God, some call it energy, and some simply call it the unknown. The act of wondering about it is part of what makes us human.

Thought-provoking question: How do you reconcile the scientific and the spiritual in your understanding of the universe? Are they opposites, or do they complement each other?

Insight: Being curious about the origins of the universe doesn’t require definitive answers. It invites us to engage with the mystery, to hold space for both awe and inquiry.

Imagine Something Bigger Than Yourself

Close your eyes and imagine something vast—a galaxy, a divine presence, an endless ocean of stars. Now, think about your place within it. Not as a small, insignificant speck, but as a unique part of an intricate, beautiful design. What does this shift in perspective reveal about your life?

Thought-provoking question: What if your existence is not random, but intentional? How does that change the way you view yourself and your purpose?

Insight: Imagining something bigger than yourself can be humbling, but it can also be empowering. It reminds us that we’re part of a story far greater than our own, yet our role within it matters deeply.

Seeking and Finding

The act of seeking is a journey in itself. Whether you’re searching for meaning, connection, or truth, the path you take shapes you. And sometimes, the answers you find are not the ones you expected.

Thought-provoking question: What are you currently seeking in your life? Is it peace, understanding, joy, or something else? How might you approach that search with curiosity rather than expectation?

Insight: Seeking isn’t about finding all the answers—it’s about being open to discovery. It’s about letting wonder guide you and trusting that what you need will reveal itself in time.

The Role of Curiosity

Curiosity is the spark that keeps us moving forward. It fuels our desire to learn, to grow, and to connect with something greater. It’s what leads us to ask the big questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What is the purpose of it all?

Thought-provoking question: When was the last time you allowed yourself to be truly curious? What question have you been afraid to ask?

Insight: Curiosity isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about embracing the journey of asking. It’s about seeing the world with childlike wonder and recognizing that there’s always more to explore.

A Call to Look Up

Hawking’s words remind us to lift our gaze, both literally and figuratively. To look up at the stars is to remember that we are part of something vast and magnificent. To be curious is to engage with life fully, to seek meaning and connection in ways that transcend the mundane.

So, take a moment tonight. Step outside, look up, and let yourself wonder. Ask the questions you’ve been holding onto. Imagine the unimaginable. Seek what’s bigger than you, and let curiosity guide you toward discovery.

After all, the stars are waiting. Are you ready to look up and find them?