Revisiting the "Pale Blue Dot"
A teenager's reply to Sagan
Carl Sagan was a historic American scientist, Pulitzer winning novelist and a popular TV show host, who coined the term ‘Big questions’. This term refers to the questions that would potentially explain the origin of our universe and life as we know it. These questions are generally on the lines of “How did our universe come into existence?” Sagan, in his award winning book and show, ‘The Cosmos’ talks about the vastness of our entire universe. He tells us how the urge to answer these questions about the beginning of our lives is almost a primal need that has driven us to major scientific discoveries and theories, like The String Theory. A recurring theme in Sagan’s ‘Cosmos’ is the insignificance of the human race in our infinite universe. He often talks about how the seven billion people on this planet do not even make up for a percent of our universe, and our minds still comprehend ‘trivial’ issues in our daily lives to be significant. Sagan urges our minds to stretch beyond their limits and find an answer to these ‘Big Questions’, as it is important that there should be an answer to the mystery of our existence.
My question to the universe is rather simple. What happens after we find the reason behind our existence? Needless to say Sagan’s philosophy of our insignificance will always be true, but we still need to survive. It is not like that the confirmation of ‘The Big Bang’ would dismiss our need for employment. Even if we are wrong about everything that we think we know about our universe, we would still need to wake up everyday and work for the sake of our survival. Maybe our notion of the ‘Big Questions’ is flawed or non-inclusive at best.
“Cosmos” claims that our universe is one in a set of many alternate universes that is gifted with the existence of life, and in none of those universes should I be considered fit enough to disapprove of Carl Sagan’s theories. But, I do believe that the idea of the ‘Big Questions’ has ample room for improvement. With the progress of time, the human race should have realized, that even if tomorrow we prove the String Theory or even if we realize that the world is actually flat or maybe that Galileo was indeed wrong or that Hawking did not really deserve a noble prize, hunger would still be a global issue. Elections would still be rigged, the economy would still be battling inflation, the polar caps would still continue to melt, the Amazon would still be slashed and burned and our struggles would still seem endless. Yet, so much of the time and resources allocated to science has been dedicated entirely towards finding the reason behind our existence, and not towards coming up with ways to protect it. In hindsight, the "Big Questions" are just a prolonged existential crisis that science at large has spent centuries catering to. I am not saying its is time that we stop looking for answers to how and and why we exist, but I can say for a fact, that it is time we answer how and why we should preserve it.
Then again, what do I know? I am just eighteen, but a little aware of the fact that our very little planet has a significance as vast at the universe. There might be a billion more universes that we are alien to, and in them, there might be a billion more pale blue dots, but there is just one home that we know of. One little rebel standing strong in the solar system, one little exception boasting of life. Once again, I am eighteen, and for all I know there probably is a chance that in some galaxy far, far away there exists a planet waiting for us to call it home. For all I know, we do have an escape waiting for us far beyond the reach of this atmosphere.
Once again, I am eighteen, eighteen and naive. But I do like my planet. I do like the fact that I too am a part of this Universe's beautiful mistake, and I find it rather beautiful, that every day I live through, is an achievement that merely a fraction of this universe can account for. But then, I am only eighteen, yet I believe that maybe we do owe this pale blue rebel the very gift of life that it once presented us with, and perhaps how we go about it is a "Big Question" that we should be answering.
About the Creator
Partha Singh
My opinions on the law, books, and everything that's insignificantly significant.
If you are here, you either have very good taste, or you're probably just bored.
Consider tipping! Law school is expensive :p
Keep reading
More stories from Partha Singh and writers in Earth and other communities.
Analyzing Racial, Sexual and Gender based Stereotypes in western media culture.
Firmin Didot was a French printer, engraver and type founder born in Paris, France. Didot was born in a family of printers, in France, and he later on in life he chose to follow the legacy of printing that was started by his grandfather, Francios Didot. Firmin, in 1798 recorded the first usage of the term “Stereotype”. In his printing business, Firmin referred to any plate that would facilitate copying or duplicating a pre-existing typing pattern, as a Stereotype. In the printing business today, the use of a “Stereotype plate”, or a duplicate plate is still prevalent. Even today, it is generally used to replicate an original piece of printing, or print an existing pattern multiple times. Although, in 1850, the word “Stereotype” was used for the first time in a non-printing context. In the spoken word then, Stereotype was used as a noun to define an image, or an idea, that could or had continued for a long time, without change. The Etymological roots of Stereotype originates from two different Greek words, stereos; meaning firm or solid, and typos; meaning an impression. Hence, for the larger part of human knowledge, Stereotypes have always been used to define a solid impression of anything. Today, the word stereotypes has the same literal meaning, but a very social connotation.
By Partha Singh4 years ago in Geeks
“Are You Dead?”: A New App Reflects the Loneliness of Young Chinese Living Alone
In China’s rapidly changing cities, living alone is no longer unusual—especially among young adults pursuing education, careers, and independence. But as solo living increases, so do concerns about isolation, safety, and what happens when no one is around to check in. Against this backdrop, a new app with a blunt, unsettling question—“Are you dead?”—has captured public attention and ignited debate. Despite its shocking name, the app is not designed to provoke fear. Instead, it aims to address a practical and emotional gap in modern urban life: how to ensure the well-being of people who live alone, and how technology is stepping in where traditional community networks have weakened. The Rise of Solo Living in China China has witnessed a dramatic shift in household structures over the past two decades. Urbanization, delayed marriage, rising housing costs, and changing cultural values have contributed to a growing number of single-person households, particularly among people in their 20s and 30s. For many young Chinese professionals, living alone represents freedom and self-reliance. It allows flexibility, privacy, and independence from family expectations. Yet this independence often comes with trade-offs: fewer daily social interactions, weaker neighborhood ties, and limited support in emergencies. In megacities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, it is increasingly common for neighbors not to know each other at all. In this environment, concerns about what happens if someone becomes ill, injured, or simply disappears from daily routines have become more pronounced. What the App Actually Does Despite its provocative name, the app’s purpose is surprisingly simple. It functions as a digital check-in system. Users set regular times to confirm they are okay—by tapping a notification or completing a brief check-in. If the user fails to respond after a certain period, the app automatically alerts designated contacts, such as friends, family members, or emergency responders. The stark question, “Are you dead?”, is intentionally designed to grab attention and prompt action. Developers argue that softer language is often ignored, while blunt phrasing cuts through digital noise and encourages consistent use. In essence, the app acts as a safety net, especially for people who live alone and may not have daily contact with others. Why Young People Are Downloading It The app’s popularity reflects deeper anxieties among young adults navigating modern life. Many users say they downloaded it not because they fear the worst every day, but because it provides peace of mind—both for themselves and for loved ones. For parents living far from their children, the app offers reassurance without constant phone calls. For users, it creates a sense of being quietly watched over, without sacrificing independence. Some users have also described the app as a form of emotional comfort. Even a routine notification can feel like a reminder that someone, somewhere, would notice if they vanished from daily life. A Name That Sparked Debate The app’s name has been its most controversial feature. Critics argue that the phrase “Are you dead?” is unnecessarily harsh and reflects a growing desensitization in digital culture. Others worry that such language could amplify anxiety rather than reduce it. Supporters, however, see the name as a reflection of reality rather than a provocation. In densely populated cities where people can go unnoticed for days or weeks, the question is uncomfortable—but relevant. They argue that avoiding blunt language does not eliminate the underlying problem of isolation. The debate highlights a broader tension in tech design: Should apps prioritize emotional sensitivity, or practical effectiveness—even if it makes people uncomfortable? Technology Filling a Social Gap The rise of this app points to a larger issue: technology increasingly compensates for weakened social structures. In the past, extended families, close-knit neighborhoods, and workplace communities naturally checked in on individuals. Today, those informal safety nets are often absent. Apps like this one are not just tools; they are symptoms of a society where digital solutions are replacing human presence. While convenient, this raises questions about whether technology is addressing the root causes of loneliness—or simply managing its consequences. Still, for many users, the app is not a replacement for relationships, but a supplement to modern life realities. Living Alone Does Not Mean Wanting to Be Alone An important takeaway from the app’s success is that living alone is not the same as wanting isolation. Many young Chinese adults value independence but still crave connection, security, and acknowledgment. The app’s routine check-ins, though minimal, provide a structured moment of contact. In a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, even small gestures of recognition can matter. This trend also reflects changing attitudes toward mental well-being and personal safety. Younger generations are more open to discussing vulnerability and using tools that previous generations might have dismissed. What This Says About Modern Urban Life The popularity of an app that asks such a stark question speaks volumes about the realities of contemporary urban living—not just in China, but globally. As cities grow larger and lives become more individualized, people are searching for new ways to ensure they are seen, remembered, and protected. The app’s success suggests that people are willing to engage with uncomfortable ideas if they address real needs. It also underscores the importance of designing technology that is honest about modern challenges, rather than masking them with euphemisms. Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call, Not a Warning While the phrase “Are you dead?” may sound alarming, the app behind it is less about fear and more about care. It reflects a generation navigating independence in a world where traditional support systems no longer function as they once did. Rather than signaling a morbid obsession, the app serves as a quiet reminder of something deeply human: the need to be noticed. In that sense, its blunt question is not about death at all—but about presence, connection, and the reassurance that someone would check if you were gone. As solo living continues to rise, tools like this app may become less shocking and more commonplace—symbols of how society adapts to changing ways of life in the digital age.
By Muhammad Hassanabout 17 hours ago in Earth
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.