Why Humanity Matters in an Infinite Universe

A boundless spiritual Creator naturally brought into being the largest physical universe imaginable. The number of stars is incomprehensible to the human mind, as the verse says: “He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them” (Tehillim 147:4). Only the Creator can truly number the stars and know each one individually. Scientists can provide mathematical estimates, but no human intellect can fully grasp such magnitude.

The Universe as the Creator’s Garment of Honor

The grandeur of creation reflects the greatness of its Creator, and the physical universe mirrors His limitless power as much as creation can bear. The sheer immensity of the cosmos testifies that the One behind it is the Greatest Being possible.

Naturally, this raises a question: If the universe is so vast, what significance does the human being have?

Size Is Not the Measure of Importance

Because God is infinite and beyond all material constraints, He makes no distinction between a mighty galaxy and a tiny atom. Both exist equally before Him. Size and number impress only beings bound to material perception.

A human does not need to be large to be important. He needs only to be capable of thought. For one who can think is of greater importance than anything that cannot think.

The proof of humanity’s significance lies in our unparalleled complexity and essence.

The Human Brain vs. the Stars

The human being is, in fact, the most complex creature in the universe. No star compares to the intricacy of a single human brain. Within it are some 90–100 billion neurons working together, forming over 100 trillion synapses, which is more than the number of stars in an average galaxy. Unlike stars, these neurons interact in highly complex and coordinated ways, enabling human consciousness.

Thus, what matters is quality, not quantity. A tiny asteroid and a massive star are, at their core, the same materials subject to gravity. The human body too is made of matter and bound by gravity, but the human being alone possesses a soul. Unlike the stars, man can think, reflect, choose, and aspire.

The Uniqueness of Humanity

At the source of reality, the Creator Himself, we find infinite wisdom and boundless intellect expressed in a brilliantly designed universe. While man is infinitely distant from God, he is still more akin to his Creator than any star or galaxy. Humanity alone can intend, express thought, understand reality, and recognize its Maker.

“And the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (Bereishit 2:7). Stars and galaxies have no mind, no need for providence, and no capacity for relationship. They cannot think, desire, or pray. Man, however, is the crown of creation — not because of size, but because he has a “living soul.”

He alone can know his Creator, pray to Him, serve Him, and form a spiritual bond with Him. As the Sages taught: “Beloved is man, for he was created in the image of God.” Therefore, one human being is of greater worth than an entire galaxy. As the Mishnah says: “Therefore, every person must say: the world was created for me” (Sanhedrin 4:5).

The Palace of the King

Many assume that if man is not at the center of the universe, he must not matter. However, the vastness of creation is not a measure of man’s worth.

The universe is the palace of the Lord of Hosts. Only a magnificent, vast palace could properly honor the King of Kings. Within this palace, we are not insignificant — we are the honored guests. As it is written: “You are children of the Lord your God” (Devarim 14:1).

The King’s honor lies in His palace, but His attention is focused on His beloved children. No guest asks, “Was this entire palace built just for me?” Nor should he be disappointed to learn that it was built for the King. Rather, he should rejoice that the King loves him personally and grants him a place of honor within His palace.

Just as any good king prepares comfortable chambers for his guests, so too God prepared Earth as a dwelling place for humanity. At first, the world was uninhabitable: “And the earth was unformed and void, with darkness over the deep” (Bereishit 1:2). Step by step, God fashioned Earth into a perfect home for man.

Every person must remember that he is the most important being in the palace, the only one created in the image of God. The King of Kings gives His personal attention to each individual who seeks closeness with Him, as it says: “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Tehillim 145:18).