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Aug 12, 2024 

“Loneliness increases the risk of early death.”

“Loneliness increases your risk of heart disease.”

“The loneliness epidemic is a worse risk than obesity, inactivity, high blood pressure, or poor diet.”

I first encountered these startling claims in an introductory psychology course a couple of years ago. My initial reaction was one of skepticism: "Show me the proof," I thought, trying not to worry about whether my love for spending time alone was problematic. 

That same year, I was tasked with creating a project for a theatre performance class - a video with an analogy that would express some deep, personal meaning. I chose to explore the concept of solitude through the analogy of race cars on a track. As a single racer on a crowded track, I am hindered by the other racers as I am forced to slow down and navigate carefully to avoid any collisions. When, on the other hand, I am racing alone on my own track, I am free to go full speed, not having to slow down or think about avoiding any obstacles in my way. It’s just me in my own zone, shooting for the moon. My intention was to express the benefits of solitude, which was a profound realization in my life at the time. 

My professor, however, didn’t see it that way. My analogy was met with confusion, a low grade, and a “I don’t understand the analogy”. Naturally, I cursed the subjective grading system, knowing there was not much I could do about it (except maybe write a blog post three years later). 

This experience, coupled with reflections on times where I'd feel lonely despite being surrounded by friends, and the insights I gained from learning about loneliness in psychology class, prompted me to explore deeper the difference between loneliness and solitude —a distinction that is often misunderstood. This blog post will dive into the difference between loneliness and solitude, outline the benefits of solitude, and explore how one can transform loneliness into solitude. 

Loneliness vs. Solitude 

Take Clarissa, for example. Clarissa is out on a Saturday night with about eight friends, all of whom she’s known for over a decade. Yet, as she looks around, she can’t shake the feeling of disconnection, wondering why she feels so out of place and lonely despite being surrounded by lifelong friends.

Then there’s Fatimah. Fatimah delights in spending hours alone in her room—reading, creating, working, or just letting her mind wander. One day, she realizes she hasn't gone out with her friends in over two weeks. Her parents start hinting that she needs to "get a life" and worry she might be lonely. But Fatimah doesn’t feel lonely at all; she finds genuine joy in her solitude.

What makes Clarissa lonely and Fatimah not? 

The fundamental difference between loneliness and solitude, in my opinion, lies in the way one perceives and mentally frames the experience of being alone. Loneliness, as Clarissa feels, is a negative emotional experience that stems from a perceived lack of meaningful social connection, even when surrounded by others. This sense of disconnection can have serious repercussions on mental and physical health, increasing the risks of conditions like depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease. Loneliness triggers stress responses in the body, elevating cortisol levels, and can lead to a vicious cycle of social withdrawal and emotional distress (1). 

In contrast, solitude, as Fatimah experiences it, is the state of being alone by choice, often embraced willingly and positively. Solitude offers opportunities for reflection, creativity, and personal growth, fostering inner peace and enhanced self-awareness. Unlike loneliness, solitude is not about the absence of social connections but rather the presence of a deeper connection with oneself. Research suggests that when solitude is chosen and embraced, it can contribute to mental well-being, emotional resilience, and even spiritual development, making it a powerful tool for personal freedom and fulfillment (2, 3).

A quote by May Sarton captures the distinction between solitude and loneliness eloquently — “Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self”. Loneliness is a state where we feel a lack; an empty void where connection, fulfillment, or purpose should be. We look for something external to fill this emptiness. Solitude, on the other hand, is a state of abundance. When we embrace solitude, we have the space to cultivate the richness of our inner world. We have the space to explore and develop our thoughts, emotions, and creativity without external distractions. 

In solitude, we are free from the demands and judgements of others, allowing us to engage in deep introspection and self-reflection. This unhurried, uninterrupted time with ourselves enables us to confront our true feelings, understand our desires, and clarify our values. Rather than seeking validation or fulfillment from the outside, we find it within, enriching our sense of self and our understanding of the world around us. This shift in perspective transforms solitude from a mere absence of others into a powerful and fulfilling state of being.

The Benefits of Solitude 

Philosophers, artists, and great innovators have long emphasized the merits of solitude, seeing it as the secret ingredient for deep thought, creativity, and self-discovery. Nietzsche said, "the great man is the lightning out of his cloud; he shines out of himself." He believed solitude was crucial for true greatness, giving people the space to rise above society's noise and tap into their core. Then there's Thoreau, who practically turned solitude into an art form during his time at Walden Pond, discovering profound truths about life. Artists like Van Gogh and Georgia O'Keeffe thrived in their solitude, creating masterpieces that wouldn’t have been possible if they were constantly bombarded by the world around them. And let’s not forget innovators like Steve Jobs and Einstein, who often needed to retreat into their own minds to cook up the ideas that changed the world. For these brilliant minds, solitude wasn’t about being lonely—it was the fertile soil where the seeds of inspiration and genius could truly grow.

Even Gen-Zers on TikTok today are jokingly expressing that when they spend prolonged time around others, they need to follow this up with at least a week of solitude to “restore their aura”. And as with all good jokes, some truth lies in there. 

I’ve personally experienced this on a deep level, time and time again. When I was younger, all I wanted to do was go out with friends and be around people constantly. Although it was fun, I found that without spending some time alone, I would start to feel a bit lost, lacking a strong sense of self.

Can You Transform Your Loneliness into Solitude? 

My earlier statement that the distinction between loneliness and solitude lies in how one perceives the state of being alone, is not to say that it’s your fault you feel lonely. I am merely hoping to offer you a sense of empowerment — the idea that you have the ability to transform loneliness into solitude simply by reframing your experience. Research by Segel-Karpas et al. (2023) supports this, demonstrating that individuals who engage in positive solitude can mitigate the negative emotional impacts of loneliness, particularly depressive symptoms. Segel-Karpas emphasizes that the way we think about and approach our time alone significantly impacts whether that experience will be harmful or beneficial (4).

You know your mind best. Think back to when you’ve let go of a bad habit or adopted a new one—each time, you formed new neural connections that solidified those changes in your life. The good news is that our brains are high in neuroplasticity; you have the ability to rewire your thoughts, behaviours, and mental states. Use this ability to transform loneliness into positive solitude. Here are some actionable tips to guide you:

1. Shift Your Focus from the Absence of Social Connection to the Potential Benefits of Time Spent Alone
   
   Start by educating yourself on the benefits of solitude. Explore literature on the subject, read blog posts like this one, dive into the philosophies of thinkers who valued solitude, or watch videos that resonate with this theme. Understanding the value of solitude can help you see your alone time as an opportunity rather than a burden.
   
   

2. Create a Supportive Environment
   
   Next, ensure that your surroundings encourage the cultivation of your inner strengths. This might mean setting up a quiet, comfortable space in your home where you can retreat for reflection and creativity. Surround yourself with things that inspire you—whether that’s books, art supplies, or a journal for writing down your thoughts.
   
   

3. Engage in Meaningful Activities
   
   Use your time alone to do things that nourish your soul and stimulate your mind. Whether it’s reading, writing, creating art, or simply taking a walk in nature, choose activities that bring you joy and allow you to explore your inner world. Do something you have always wanted to do, and if you don’t have anything in mind, try experimenting with everything you have ever been even slightly interested in. These activities can transform your alone time into a period of rich, personal fulfillment and self-discovery.
   
   

4. Develop the Necessary Psychological Skills
   
   Practicing mindfulness allows you to stay present and engaged during your alone time. Notice your thoughts and let them flow. This will enable you to become more self-aware, and this self-awareness allows you to control your mind wandering. When you catch yourself thinking, "I’m so lonely," try to shift that thought to something more positive, like, "I’m using this time to grow and connect with myself.” Overtime, as you repeat these words to yourself, it will become subconscious — automatic. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns.
   
   

5. Set Small, Achievable Goals for Your Time Alone
   
   This one has personally helped me tremendously. I track daily habit goals on my Notion and keep a growing list of topics I want to explore during my alone time. Start by setting small, manageable goals for your time alone—maybe it’s dedicating 10 minutes a day to journaling or spending an hour each week on a creative project. These goals give structure to your solitude, helping you focus on the positive aspects of being alone and gradually shifting your mindset. Over time, you’ll start to look forward to these activities as your brain gets rewarded with dopamine from achieving them, turning your solitude into something you actively enjoy.
   
   

The beautiful thing is that enriching your sense of self allows you to connect more deeply with those around you. Your interest in others becomes genuine, not just based on how they make you feel or whether they fill a void. You’ll have a clearer sense of the values you seek in people and what you truly want in your life, which empowers you to set boundaries and avoid tolerating things that don’t align with your well-being.

Conclusion 

To my theatre performance professor; solitude, like the race car on an empty track, allows us to move forward at our own pace, unhindered by the distractions or obstacles of others. It’s not about isolation but about finding the freedom to explore our thoughts, deepen our self-understanding, and grow without external pressures. When we embrace solitude, we unlock a powerful state where we can truly focus, create, and discover who we are, free from the noise of the outside world. This enriched sense of self allows us to better form genuine connections with people in our lives, as we become more interested in them for who they are, rather than whether they fill the empty void within us.

I’ll leave you with a few quotes on solitude to ponder:

• “In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself” — Laurence Sterne.

• “A man can be himself only so long as he is alone, and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom, for it is only when he is alone that he is really free”— Arthur Schopenhauer

• “When from our better selves we have too long been parted by the hurrying world, and droop. Sick of its business, of its pleasures tired, how gracious, how benign is solitude." — William Wordsworth.

• "Your inner voice is the voice of divinity. To hear it, we need to be in solitude, even in crowded places." — A. R. Rahman

References

1. https://consensus.app/papers/brainbody-interactions-underlying-association-quadt/abdd945653ee506b9e9a49ef0bd3d643/?utm

2. https://consensus.app/papers/solitude-exploration-benefits-being-alone-long/8d3b34432781537e9b5ad8485527c663/?utm_source

3. https://consensus.app/papers/fate-great-souls-solitude-relevant-research-xiao/3f019587fbb35c73892609d1a3a1e439/?utm_source

4. https://consensus.app/papers/moderating-role-positive-solitude-relations-between-segelkarpas/22012fcb7e7d53648d187b40191219a4/?utm_source

May 20, 2024 

When I first switched into Economics during my undergrad, I found it difficult to really understand what Economics was about, what career path it would lead to, and how the theoretical concepts I was learning applied to real life. Initially, I thought Economics was just the study of money. I soon realized it is a broad field with many applications. When you’re so immersed in complex mathematical models and theoretical frameworks, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture; of how these theories apply to real-world scenarios.

I came across the book Brilliant Economics by Phil Thornton, which I wish I had read earlier in my undergrad, as it provides a well-rounded introduction (or primer) to the essential theories and concepts explored in Economics. If you are contemplating becoming an Economics major, or are just curious to learn what Economics entails, this post is for you.

What is Economics?

We live in a world with scarce resources and unlimited demand. Economics examines how scarce resources are allocated amidst this unlimited demand. The 'how' has to do with choices. Choices made by individuals, businesses, governments, and nations, to allocate limited resources.

Since these choices are made by a broad group of stakeholders, economics is divided into two main branches: microeconomics, which focuses on choices made by individual players in an economy (like consumers and firms), and macroeconomics, which looks at the economy as a whole (including national and global interactions).

A fundamental concept in economics is opportunity cost—the idea that choosing one option means forgoing another. This principle underpins much of economic decision-making.

Schools of Thought - Monetarism vs. Keynesianism

There are two main schools of thought in economics: Monetarism and Keynesianism. Monetarism is associated with the classical school of economics, which views economies as self-regulating, argues for free-markets, and argues against government intervention. Keynesianism, on the other hand, advocates for government intervention during downturns to stimulate and support the economy.

Economic Growth

A primary focus of Economics is understanding the causes of economic growth, as faster economic growth increases citizens’ standards of living and quality of life. Growth is measured by comparing a country's GDP (Gross-Domestic Product) values across time. The most common method of deriving a country's GDP is through the expenditure method, which adds up the money spent by private consumers, consumption by the government, investment, and the difference of exports minus imports.

There are 4 main ingredients of growth: physical capital, human capital, natural resources, and improvements in technology (technological innovation). Some economists also emphasize the importance of politics and the rule of law for growth, and others emphasize the effects of climate.

There is some criticism about using GDP to measure growth, as it fails to capture several positive contributions to society, while capturing perceivably negative ones (ie. the manufacture of weapons and cigarettes. Also, it doesn't account for happiness, wellbeing, or the cost to future generations of economic activity today. That being said, there are other measures that can be used in combination with GDP to get a more well-rounded view of an economy at a point in time, but there is pressure to come up with better measures of living standards than GDP. Alternatives such as the Human Development Index (HDI) can provide a more comprehensive view.

Business Cycles

Economies move between faster and slower periods of growth, known as business cycles. You have probably lived through a business cycle; they come with four phases:

1. Expansion: consumer spending and borrowing rises, output from factories and businesses increases, prices, shares, and wages increase. This leads to the second phase:

2. Peak: characterized by an overheating of the economy, where authorities tend to raise interest rates, making it more expensive to borrow. Debt becomes unaffordable, and financial markets start to fall.

3. Recession: business activity, wage growth, house prices, and share values all fall.

4. Trough: The economy hits rock bottom. Once rock bottom is hit, recovery can begin, and the cycle restarts.

These cycles are caused by the convergence of various factors, including business investment decisions, greed and fear, changes in inventories, technological and commercial innovation, the expansion and contraction of access to credit from commercial banking, and external shocks such as the outbreak of war.

Recent examples, like the 2008 financial crisis, illustrate these phases well. Busts are painful in the short term, but the long term trend is for economies to grow even as they go through their cycles. Each boom takes the economy to a larger size than the one before.

Work and Wages

The labor market is a crucial aspect of Economics. People are either employed, unemployed, inactive, in education, or retired. Long term unemployment is detrimental to growth. Many governments strive for full employment and to stimulate job creation, as it is one of the main drivers of growth.

Under the classical view, unemployment is the result of people demanding wages above the level that supply and demand says should be set for a particular job. The Keynesian view attributes unemployment to a lack of demand that the governments should intervene to rectify. Contemporary trends such as the gig economy and remote work also impact employment dynamics.

Inflation

Inflation is the persistent rise in the general level of prices across the economy over time. To ensure economic stability, inflation can’t be too high or too low - it needs to be just right. High inflation is indicative of an overheating economy, while inflation that is too low is indicative of a potential recession.

Inflation occurs when the demand for goods rises faster than supply can keep up with, and as a result, businesses raise prices. Several factors contribute to this:

1. When an economy is growing or expanding, more jobs are created, meaning people have more spending money and are more likely to spend.

2. When governments spend more on the provision of schools, hospitals, and better quality roads, this increases demands for goods and services, and puts more people to work.

3. When consumers think inflation will continue to rise in the future, they are incentivized to spend money now before things become more expensive.

4. Technological innovation

Nobody likes inflation, as it erodes buying power. Despite this, many economists argue that we need it; that it is better to have moderate inflation rather than 0 inflation because 1) if there is 0 inflation, people would not be encouraged to spend their money now in fear of prices rising later on, and savers would earn no money from their investments. 2) Having zero inflation would remove the central bank's tool of cutting interest rates in times of downturn to stimulate the economy. 3) It would be a shock to workers to not see increases in their wages, even though they can buy the same amount of goods.

Some people benefit from inflation, while some suffer. Among the winners are borrowers, mortgages, homeowners, savers, and investors. Losers are consumers, general cash savers,, pensioners/people on fixed incomes, businesses, variable-rate mortgage holders.

The Role of Government

In a world with scarce resources and unlimited demand, governments face the challenge of delivering strong and stable growth, keeping inflation under control, ensuring the economy creates jobs for its citizens, and that households' living standards rise over time. They do this through 2 main tools: fiscal policy (taxation and public spending), and monetary policy (central banks controlling the money supply).

The government is a major player in most countries' economies, managing the economy through fiscal policy - taxation and public spending - to influence economic activity.

The main forms of taxation are on personal income, personal wealth, contributions towards social security, corporate income, and indirect taxes such as VAT. Government spending is focused on services that individuals alone cannot organize, but that benefit everybody equally (ie. emergency services, police, street lighting).

Annual budgets show whether taxes and spending are in balance, and governments being in deficit typically have to borrow money. This borrowing tends to increase during recessions, and decrease during booms.

There is a debate over whether government should borrow to boost economic growth.

Interest Rates, Monetary Policy, and Central Banks

Interest rates are the price of money; the price for charged when money is being borrowed, and paid when the money is being saved. These rates influence how keen people are to borrow or save.

Interest rates are the main tool for central banks to fight inflation. Raising interest rates brings down inflation but slows down growth, while cutting interest rates should encourage growth but may fuel inflation.

When interest rates fall to zero, central banks have to inject money into the economy, known as quantitative easing.

Money and Finance

Money, which arose to facilitate more efficient exchange than bartering, has three main properties: it is 1) a means of exchange, 2) a store of value, and 3) a unit of account.

Economists debate the relationship between money supply and inflation. The monetarist school of economics believes that changes in the money supply change thee economy's price level but nothing else, while the Keynesian school says that price level is not strictly determined by money supply - that instead money supply influences price level indirectly through its effects on interest rates, incomes, outputs, employment, and investment.

Housing and Property

Adequate housing supply is essential for economic growth. Housing prices are influenced by a number of factors other than just supply and demand, including the state of the economy, interest rates, access to credit, confidence, speculation, taxes, social factors, and the rental market.

Stable housing markets contribute to greater achievement, lower crime rates, labour market mobility, and stable economic growth. Homelessness is correlated with higher social security, poor health and crime, and weak job prospects.

Trade and Currencies

Trade involves imports and exports, with the theory of comparative advantage suggesting that every nation should specialize in the production of goods it can produce most efficiently, and import everything else from other countries that make them more efficiently. Although globalization has undeniable benefits to the global economy, concerns have been raised about its negative impacts on the world’s poorest. The Great Depression taught politicians that putting trade barriers up during a downturn makes economic conditions worse than before.

The Future of Economics

Economics has faced criticism for assuming that everyone is a rational agent working for their self-interest, and for relying on GDP as a measure of growth. Assuming rational behavior doesn’t explain things like donating, or paying tips, while GDP does not capture elements of the economy that make us worse off.

Behavioural economics, which combines psychology and economics, addresses one of these issues by trying to explain why people make irrational decisions. Additionally, concerns over climate change and externalities are encouraging new economic theories and approaches.

Conclusion

This was a very brief, high-level view of the main topics that economics delves into. Each of these topics go very deep, with many theoretical frameworks and mathematical models that try to explain the different choices that various stakeholders face to allocate scarce resources. Economics is a dynamic and multifaceted field that finds a place in every aspect of our lives. Understanding its core concepts can provide valuable insights into how economies function and evolve, both on a microeconomic and macroeconomic scale.

In terms of career paths - since the field is so broad, it offers various opportunities for potential career paths. If you want to go corporate private sector, they will appreciate your broad view of how firms and markets work. If you want to work for the government/public sector, they will appreciate your knowledge of the impact of different policies, and what incentivizes behaviour. If you want to focus on statistics and data analysis, economics provides a strong foundation as well. I personally believe that the well-rounded perspective you gain from studying economics, combined with critical thinking, quantitative, and analytical skills, positions me exceptionally well for a management/tech consulting role.

Jan 29, 2024 

There is endless knowledge out there. With immense breadth and depth, knowledge runs as wide as it runs deep. Among infinite fields, you can dive deep into a particular field, just to find various subfields waiting for you to dive into as well. As you dive into the subfields, you’ll find sub-subfields, and the diving goes on, and on, and on.

There is a vast, infinite body of knowledge that is overwhelming, humbling, stimulating, but at the same time calming. No matter how much knowledge you accumulate, you will never learn everything there is to know. No matter how old you are, the experiences you’ve had, the books you’ve read, or the studies you’ve undertaken, the truth is: what you know is just a speck of the entire spectrum. This is a constant truth; it will always be the case. There is always more to learn.

This ocean of knowledge is overwhelming, in that I know I don’t have enough time to learn everything I want to learn, even if I stuff my brain with new information 24 hours a day.

It’s stimulating, in that whenever I dive deep into a certain field, say psychology - my neurons start firing questions related to another field, say economics, and when I then dive into economics, questions related to engineering arise. Each new field is a puzzle, interlocking with countless others, in both subtle and blatant ways. There are links between seemingly unrelated fields that I believe have yet to be discovered.

It’s humbling, in that the more I learn, the more I realize how much I actually don't know. 

It’s calming, in that no matter how dissatisfied I might become with any role, occupation, profession, state of life, routine - I know that there is this wide array of other fields and topics I can delve into, all easily accessible to me. There are always new paths to explore and it is always possible to change my situation.

I’m grateful for my insatiable thirst for knowledge. It makes life even more beautiful than it already is. 

Your Mind is its Own Universe

I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that every human brain is unique. Among the 8.1 billion people alive on Earth, no two people share the same brain anatomy - every brain is wired differently (9). Despite all our common traits, we each have distinct thoughts, perceptions, and experiences of life - we have different realities. Essentially, every mind is its own universe. I often ponder this metaphor as I observe and interact with people through daily life.

Not too long ago, I stumbled upon an interesting analogy in the book “The Big Picture” by Sean Carroll, where he draws a parallel between our brains and the universe, comparing the physical structures, thermodynamics, and processes in both entities. This brought me right back to the metaphor I love. Could it be that every mind is actually its own universe?

The Parallel Between Your Brain and the Universe

I browsed through existing literature to explore these parallels, looking to understand the extent of these similarities and whether they could somehow offer an explanation for the intense, moving feeling I get when gazing into the starry night sky. Furthermore, I wanted to uncover potential lessons this intriguing parallel could teach us about our lives.

I first came across a study by Franco Vazza, an astrophysicist at the University of Bologna, and Alberto Feletti, a neurosurgeon at the University of Verona, who combined their disciplines to conduct a quantitative analysis of the brain and the universe. They found striking similarities in the structure and processes of both entities, despite differences in scale. I further explored papers about brain circuit connectivity and activity, cognition, and the cosmic web, along with blog posts and interactive art installations exploring the connection between the cosmos and the mind — all referenced below.

I discovered profound parallels between the brain and the universe, that offer lessons directly applicable to our lives. These parallels not only put things into perspective, but inspire self-actualization, and teach us about transcending our limits.

How is Your Brain Similar to the Universe?

The images above exhibit two networks - a network of neurons within the human brain (left), and a cosmic network of galaxies comprising the universe (right). These are the most complex systems in nature, both beautiful and vast, yet still not fully understood. There are 4 main similarities that we can observe between the universe and the brain; physical structure, interconnectedness, limitless expansion, and energy dynamics.

Similarity #1: Physical Structure and Organization

There are about 100 billion galaxies in the universe, and 100 billion neurons in a human brain (10, 6). Both systems share the principle of self-organization. The arrangement of galaxies throughout the cosmos is comparable to the arrangement of neural networks in human brains. The composition of these systems is also noteworthy, with solid matter making up only 30% of each entity, while around 75% comprises passive elements - water in the brain and “dark energy” in the universe (10). When we sleep at night, our brains remain active as indicated by rhythmic brain waves, the same way the universe at rest remains active as gravitational waves ebb and flow in the quietest regions of space (7,5).

The concept of voids; negative spaces that define the positive, play a pivotal role in both cosmic and neural realms, illustrating how the processes of growth, ageing, and decline affect both the universe and our brains. Voids, the emptiest regions in the universe, exert forces that push matter away over time. When these voids intersect, they give rise to the cosmic web and galaxies. Likewise, the web of neurons in our brains deteriorate with aging and disease, leading to empty spaces or voids as the brain atrophies (5). As the universe ages, cosmic voids become larger, reflecting the emptiness that develops within the brain as neurons deteriorate and as humans age.

Similarity #2: Interconnectedness

Looking at the images above, it’s palpable how deeply interconnected both cosmic and neural networks are. This interconnectedness is observed in the way galaxies are clustered together in cosmic patterns, and in the neuronal networks through which our thoughts and ideas are transferred. Nodes in the brain and nodes in the cosmic web are each connected through intricate branching patterns. What makes these branching patterns intriguing is that they both scale similarly - in an arrangement that optimally connects all elements while minimizing total connection length (5). This scaling in both systems resemble a minimal spanning tree that points to efficiency in the establishment of connections in both systems (5). In the brain, this efficiency plays a role in effective information processing and communication between neurons.

It’s this interconnectedness which allows for the linking between distinct areas of our brain associated with process-specific activities (1), such as how our amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, communicates with our frontal cortex, involved in decision-making and reasoning — enabling a seamless flow of information and contributing to the functioning of various brain regions. Particles become connected regardless of their distance from one another, as explained by quantum physics and the entanglement phenomenon. In the cosmos, regardless of physical distance, actions taken on one particle can instantly affect another.

Similarity #3: Limitless Expansion

The universe is constantly expanding overtime. This is supported by the Big Bang Theory, and principles of general relativity. As a result, galaxies move further away from each other, with the rate of expansion increasing overtime. The universe possesses the potential to form an almost infinite number of structures due to the dynamic interplay of gravitational forces and constant expansion (5).

Much like the limitless expansion observed in the universe, our brains and minds possess extraordinary potential for growth and transformation. Within neural networks, our brain cells hold the potential to form a nearly limitless number of connections (1). Interestingly, both the universe and the brain have achieved only a fraction of their potential (5,6).

Similarity #4: Energy Dynamics

The universe and the brain are similar in the energy dynamics they exhibit related to growing, connecting, and transforming their structures. Both systems adhere to the concept of energy conservation. The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Galaxies emit energy through star formation, supernovae, and the interaction of black holes, while neural processes emit energy through synaptic transmission and ion channel operations. Energy transformation in galaxies refers to matter transmuting into energy through nuclear fusion, producing light and electromagnetic emissions. Within the brain, metabolic processes convert nutrients into energy.

The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of any isolated system can only increase (3). This is true in both the universe and our brains, where galaxies evolve towards state of higher disorder overtime, and the brain experiences an increase in entropy with aging, marking the natural progression of both systems toward greater complexity.

Lessons to Learn from This Parallel

There are vital lessons we can take away from these parallels and apply directly to our lives to enrich our experiences, transcend our limits, and self-actualize.

Lesson #1: Change is the Only Constant in Life

Change is inevitable, in our lives, in our brains, and in the universe. It’s something we must accept, and learn to thrive on. The universe is always moving, changing, rearranging its structure — similar to the neural networks in our brains. One underlying principle here is that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but transformed. Sometimes when you lose something in life, it may not seem like it but this loss might have paved the way for an unexpected gain in your life. Think about this the next time you get dumped in a relationship, or stress about the people closest to you changing.

Lesson #2: You Set the Limits of Your Potential

Your potential is limitless. Whatever limit exists to your potential is one that you, whether consciously or subconciously, impose on yourself. You’re standing in your own way. Try to become aware of these sef-imposed limits you place on your potential, reflect on where they come from, and whether they are hindering you from achieving your full potential. The concept of limitless expansion, observed in both the universe and the brain, urges us to embrace our innate capacity for adaptation and perpetual growth.

Welcome new experiences, especially those outside of your comfort zone, as opportunities for expansion. Just as the universe continually evolves, approach life with curiosity, openness, and a belief in your capacity for continuous growth and improvement. Explore diverse interests, and maintain an open mind to the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.

Just as the universe and brain have only realized a fraction of their potential, consider that there may be untapped potential within yourself. There is infinite knowledge and information to learn about yourself and about the world around you. Learning makes your brain more powerful; your neural connections stronger, and more deeply intertwined. Engage in the discovery of yourself and of the world, and explore the depths of your abilities.

Lesson #3: There’s Beauty in the Chaos

Life can get chaotic. Entropy, the degree of disorder and uncertainty, increases over time. This applies to the universe and our brains as they evolve and increase in complexity. It’s in this very chaos that a unique and awe-inspiring beauty emerges, one that is easy to miss if we’re deep in one of life’s challenges. Embracing the beauty within disorder requires us to stay resilient as we face life’s hurdles. Becoming aware that disorder is an inherent part of the cosmic and personal journey allows us to approach difficulties with a new perspective. Instead of viewing challenges as disruptive forces, recognize them as integral components of a grand, beautiful narrative - the unique story of your individual life. Each challenge represents a brushstroke that contributes to the larger canvas of your existence.

Lesson #4: Everything is Connected

I’ve saved the most important lesson for last. If you can take away one thing from this blog post, let it be this. The captivating interconnectedness in the brain and universe merely scratches the surface of the inherent interconnected nature of existence. Interconnectedness extends beyond these systems to encompass our ecosystem, human nature, and biological systems — permeating every aspect of our world. Everything is connected.

Acknowledging our interdependent reality encourages us to adopt a holistic approach to problem-solving. Solutions to complex issues often lie beyond the confines of a single discipline or perspective. Some of the world’s biggest problems have been solved through analogous thinking; fueled by considering the interconnected nature of existence. For example, a doctor named Patrick Byrne noticed a similarity between the pattern of cell growth in the thyroid and the spread of wildfires. This analogy led to a breakthrough in understanding the growth patterns of thyroid cancer cells, illustrating how insights from one domain (ecology) could contribute to advancements in another (medicine). There are numerous examples of cases like these, ranging from the analogy of war games and business strategy, to the parallels of psychology and aviation safety (11).

Diverse perspectives and knowledge from different fields is evidently valuable in tackling challenges. This offers a paradigm shift that we can incorporate into our personal lives. By embracing a breadth of experiences and insights, and interacting with diverse people, we open ourselves to a richer understanding of our world, and enhance our problem-solving abilities.

In a world marked by complexity and interdependence, the value of interdisciplinary thinking guides us towards innovative solutions and a more profound appreciation for the interconnected nature of existence.

Conclusion

Throughout my research, I found that there are many parallels like this one, seen across structures in nature and our bodies - such as the striking similarity between the appearance and functionality of trees and lungs. While further research is needed to fully understand the implications of the parallels between the brain and the universe, the insights gained can certainly push you to transcend your limits and live a more fulfilled life.

All I could think about going through this research is the beauty of God’s creation. The uniqueness of every individual brain translates to other aspects of ourselves. We all have unique looks, accents, and voices - yet there’s a profound interconnectedness binding us to the universe and to one another.

References

1. Battaglia, D., Witt, A., Wolf, F., & Geisel, T. (2012). Dynamic effective connectivity of Inter-Areal Brain Circuits. PLoS Computational Biology, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002438

2. Libeskind, N. I., van de Weygaert, R., Cautun, M., Falck, B., Tempel, E., Abel, T., Alpaslan, M., Aragón-Calvo, M. A., Forero-Romero, J. E., Gonzalez, R., Gottlöber, S., Hahn, O., Hellwing, W. A., Hoffman, Y., Jones, B. J., Kitaura, F., Knebe, A., Manti, S., Neyrinck, M., … Yepes, G. (2017). Tracing the cosmic web. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 473(1), 1195–1217. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stx1976

3. Collell, G., & Fauquet, J. (2015). Brain activity and cognition: a connection from thermodynamics and information theory. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 818. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00818

4. Lima, M. (2009). Brain + Universe . Visual Complexity Blog . http://www.visualcomplexity.com/vc/blog/?p=234

5. Neyrinck, M., Elul, T., & Silver, M. (2020, February). Exploring Connections Between Cosmos & Mind Through Six Interactive Art Installations in “As Above As Below.” SciArt Magazine. https://arxiv.org/pdf/2008.05942.pdf

6. Pakkenberg, B., & Gundersen, H. J. (1997). Neocortical neuron number in humans: effect of sex and age. The Journal of comparative neurology, 384(2), 312–320.

7. Schneider, P. (2015). Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-54083-7

8. Team, N. (2022, June 24). Scientists: The human brain has odd similarities to the entire universe. NeuroGym Blog. https://blog.myneurogym.com/scientists-the-human-brain-has-odd-similarities-to-the-entire-universe/#:~:text=Both the universe and the,is filled with dark energy

9. Valizadeh, S. A., Liem, F., Mérillat, S., Hänggi, J., & Jäncke, L. (2018). Identification of individual subjects on the basis of their brain anatomical features. Scientific Reports, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23696-6

10. Vazza, F., & Feletti, A. (2020). The quantitative comparison between the neuronal network and the cosmic web. Frontiers in Physics, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2020.525731

11. Epstein, D. J. (2021). Range: Why generalists triumph in a Specialized World. Riverhead Books.

I know what you're thinking. "Gosh, I hate door-to-door salespeople." But hear me out, because after hearing my story, you will still hate door to door salespeople, but you won't be as rude to them. You might even decide you want to try your hand in door-to-door sales. This is a chapter of my life that's shaped me in unexpected ways, and has been a cornerstone of my professional journey. 

Picture this: a nervous, wide-eyed Nour, standing at the threshold of a random person's door, practicing my 'pitch' in my head - trying to ignore the butterfly party commencing in my stomach. My inner voice is telling me to knock extra gently, hoping the homeowner doesn't hear my knock. The first couple of doors were excruciating. The tenth door was a lot easier than the first, and by the end of my first week, I'd notched up a hat trick - three successful closes. 

Handling rejection isn't something you learn overnight. In those early days, once I heard "no" at the door - I said "okay, no worries, thank you!" and left. But this was a commission-only role - so I soon realized if I didn't start handling objections, I would become broke. I started to practice and improve my objection handling - focusing more on the prospect's reason behind the no, trying to dig in to find where the real resistance lies. Dealing with constant rejection helped me grow thicker skin, and the more I experienced it, the less it affected me. With time, I found that empathizing with and really understanding the person I was trying to sell is key, and is what worked best with my style. At the end of the day, we're all humans and humans are social beings who crave connection. We crave to feel seen, understood, and heard. 

At a certain point, I found myself looking forward to talk to random people at their doors everyday. The occasional 'get off my porch' became slightly amusing (albeit a little hurtful), but the best part was the genuine conversation I'd have. I met pilots, car dealership owners, the mayor of Milton - all sorts of people from various fields, with different perspectives on life. In a matter of minutes, I'd go from stranger to trusted advisor, all thanks to the magic of conversation. 

Negotiation became about uncovering the unique concerns and motivations of each prospect, and finding a solution that resonated with them personally, with the intention of helping them and their families feel more secure in their homes. To understand these prospects, I learned to actively listen, and read body language. 

Beyond the sales pitches and quotas, this journey was a catalyst for my personal growth. It was like a crash course in self-assurance and stepping out of my comfort zone. I was a pretty shy person at first, who would shudder at the thought of initiating random conversation with a stranger. This trait started to change with the more strangers I talked to, and this change translated to my personal life. I started feeling more confident in expressing myself and using my voice.  Real growth happens when you take risks - when you step outside of your comfort zone. 

In a serendipitous twist, I not only successfully sold the Telus home security system but also forged a connection with an account executive at Tugboat Logic. His encouragement led me to apply for a position at Tugboat Logic, and I ended up landing the role!

My stint in door-to-door sales left an indelible mark on my life. It taught me to be open to opportunities I think I will hate (I mean who wants to knock on strangers' doors?) It taught me grit, perseverance, and open communication. It taught me the importance of non-verbal communication, positive thinking, and how confidence / belief in yourself and your abilities is a partial determinant of your outcomes in life (in this context, sales). Confidence and belief that you will make that sale does something to your energy that your listener can sense. 

So, here's to embracing the unknown, chasing dreams, and knocking on doors - both literally and metaphorically.