Beyond what you know an immense world exists, but you cannot see it.
Throughout history, our understanding of the world has expanded in remarkable ways, but it has always been limited by what we have chosen to explore. Just as libraries house the collected knowledge of humanity, our personal “libraries”—whether physical books, digital resources, or ideas we engage with—shape how we perceive reality. If we stop seeking knowledge, we risk shrinking our world to only what we already know.
Time, Knowledge, and an Expanding Universe
Philosopher J.L. Schellenberg introduces the idea of profound time—the recognition that humanity is in its intellectual infancy. Just as the Earth is billions of years old, and human civilization is only a fleeting moment in cosmic history, our understanding of reality is still in its earliest stages.
We might assume that we already grasp the fundamental truths of the universe, but Schellenberg urges us to think long-term: if humanity survives for millions more years, what new ways of thinking will emerge? What truth remains undiscovered simply because we haven’t had enough time to find them?
This idea reminds us that our current knowledge is not the final word. It encourages humility and curiosity—two traits essential for lifelong learning. If we accept that there is more to know than what is in our personal “library” today, we open ourselves to growth, discovery, and a richer understanding of the world.
Hyperobjects and the Challenge of Comprehension
Expanding our understanding is not always easy. Philosopher Timothy Morton introduces the concept of hyperobjects—things so vast in scale that they are difficult, if not impossible, to fully grasp from a human perspective. Climate change, the internet, and deep time itself are examples of hyperobjects. They exist on scales so large that they stretch beyond our ordinary ways of thinking.
Just because something is difficult to grasp, however, does not mean we should avoid learning about it. Hyperobjects challenge us to expand our mental libraries—to think beyond our immediate experiences and consider the broader, interconnected nature of reality. The more we learn, the better we can navigate a world filled with complexity and uncertainty.
A Lifelong Commitment to Learning
If our libraries define the boundaries of our world, then expanding our knowledge means expanding our world. This doesn’t mean we must read every book or master every subject, but it does mean we should remain open to new ideas, seek out different perspectives, and challenge our own assumptions.
The universe is constantly expanding, both in a literal sense and in terms of human understanding. Just as astronomers discover new galaxies, scientists uncover new truths, and philosophers refine their theories, we too can commit to ongoing learning.
In a world that is always changing, the best way to keep pace is to keep learning. The more we explore, the brighter our lantern becomes, and the more of the world we can see. Let’s not let the limits of our libraries define the limits of our world.