Edward Quin's Historical Atlas (1830) vividly illustrates how people's worldviews have evolved.
At first glance, we see a map: "Eden, circa B.C. 2348." It's a small island, the 'known world,' encircled entirely by a dark ocean.
With each century, light seems to wrest territory from darkness.
On the map "A.D. 1498. The Discovery of America," Europe, Africa, and Asia are already outlined. Only the edge of North America is visible. The known world is vast already, but how much more discovery lies ahead!
You can't help but smile, thinking of our ancestors' ignorance. And then the smile fades. Because we're no different from them.
Yes, the Earth's surface is meticulously charted. People are exploring outer space and even dreaming of colonizing Mars. Science delves deeper into atoms, synthesizes intelligence, and modifies genomes.
The scale of these achievements is both awe-inspiring and frightening. But like before, we live on an island. It's gotten a bit bigger and more comfortable. But the primordial chaos still swirls around it. We can't fathom what lies in its depths.
What we don't know is infinitely greater than what we do.
This holds true for everyone: humanity, nations, and you. Just when you think you've unraveled the universe's greatest mysteries, reality will douse you with icy water: 'Kneel, proud one!'"
Conversely, if your virtue is humility, then your island will safely expand every day.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
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