The concept that we, as human beings, might be the center of our own universe is not just philosophical—it has profound implications on how we understand our place in the cosmos, our perceptions of time, and even our relationship with the universe itself.
At its core, the idea stems from the intimate connection between consciousness and the human body. Our perceptions of the world, the physical laws, the passage of time, and even our sense of space are all filtered through our senses, which are housed in the human vessel. In essence, our consciousness is grounded in the body that we inhabit, and because of this, we experience the world as though it revolves around us, no matter where we go. The universe, for each of us individually, is defined by the center of our awareness: ourselves.
The Vessel and Consciousness
From the moment we are born, our senses become the lens through which we experience the external world. Everything we know is filtered through this narrow window, and the world outside can only be understood by how it interacts with us. The human body is not just a biological entity; it’s the conduit for the mind and consciousness. It is the vessel in which our subjective reality unfolds. Thus, wherever we go, we remain the anchor of our own universe.
In a way, our consciousness “stays” with us—regardless of time and space. If we move through the world, time passes around us in a manner unique to each individual. Even if we were to travel through time, the passage of time for us would remain intimately tied to our own perceptions. We might experience the world differently than others due to the subjective nature of consciousness, but in our universe, we are the fixed point. This grounding effect leads to the thought that, in a very real sense, we exist at the center of our own reality.
The Experience of Time
Time, as we understand it, is often described as an objective, linear progression. However, time is intrinsically linked to consciousness. Time doesn’t “happen” outside of us—it’s an internal process, a narrative that our minds continually weave. Time, for each of us, is personal; it is the unfolding of our lived experience.
Consider the idea that when we travel through time—whether physically or through the passage of years—we still experience that flow of time as if it is uniquely ours. A person could travel to a different era or dimension, yet the subjective experience of time remains anchored to their individual awareness. This means that while the universe might be vast and ever-expanding, we are still the axis upon which time pivots.
The Nature of Perception
Perception plays a critical role in how we experience the universe around us. While the world objectively exists outside of our minds, our perception of it is entirely subjective. No one else sees the world exactly as we do. Our experiences shape how we interpret everything from sound to light, from emotions to memories. This individual experience of the world, which is influenced by our biology, senses, and mental processes, suggests that the universe we perceive is inextricably linked to who we are, creating a profound, almost egocentric sense of being at the center of it all.
Imagine a universe without any consciousness to experience it. If no one were there to observe it, would the stars still burn in the sky? Would galaxies spin? The theory of solipsism[1] suggests that, in a way, our consciousness is the one that gives meaning to the universe. The world exists because we observe it, and this existence is uniquely filtered through our perception.
The Quantum Nature of Reality
At the quantum level, this notion becomes even more fascinating. Quantum mechanics suggests that particles exist in a state of probability until observed[2]. The very act of observation—of consciousness interacting with the universe—seems to “collapse” the possibilities into reality. In other words, our consciousness directly influences the physical state of the world.
In this framework, we are not just passive observers of a universe moving independently of us; we are active participants in its unfolding. Our perception, actions, and decisions directly shape the reality we experience, reinforcing the idea that we are not merely inhabitants of the universe, but the central force shaping it.
The Ego and the Universe
Our belief in being at the center of our universe is deeply rooted in the ego, that psychological structure that defines who we are as individuals. The ego anchors us in our identity, helping us navigate the complexities of life. It drives us to see the world from a perspective that revolves around our needs, desires, and experiences.
However, this ego-centric view of the universe often conflicts with the more humbling perspectives offered by science and philosophy, which remind us that we are just one part of a much larger cosmos. Yet, even in this broader context, we are still at the center of our own experience. From the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep, the universe is defined by our perceptions and actions.
A Thought Experiment: The Infinite Mirror
To explore this concept further, imagine standing in front of an infinite mirror. As you gaze into it, you see countless reflections of yourself, each one positioned slightly differently, each with its own perspective. Despite the infinite number of reflections, you remain at the center of the experience. Each reflection represents a possible universe, yet in each one, you are the central point of focus.
Similarly, the vastness of the universe may contain countless stars, planets, and galaxies, yet for each individual, they are the center of their own universe. Just as the mirror reflects you, the universe reflects the perspective of your consciousness, positioning you as the central point of reference.
Conclusion
The idea that we are the center of our own universe isn’t a simple metaphor. It’s an exploration of how consciousness, time, and perception work together to shape our reality. By understanding the intimate connection between our awareness and the world around us, we come to realize that the universe, as we experience it, is centered on our individual consciousness. Our perception of time, space, and self is uniquely ours, and within this vast universe, we are the constant—the center of our own unfolding reality.
In this sense, we are not simply passive observers of an external universe, but active participants in the creation of our own subjective world. And perhaps, in a way, the universe is more intimate and personal than we ever imagined—it’s built around the lens through which we see everything: our own consciousness.
