[67] The Philosophy of Interconnected Influence

The Ripple Effect of Existence

Each day, as I step off a commuter bus, I pause to glance into the eyes of fellow passengers. In that fleeting moment, I quietly consider how my presence—my simple act of exiting the bus—delays their journey by a fraction of a second. This brief delay, I believe, ripples outward, subtly altering the course of their lives, their families, and even future generations. By occupying space on that bus, I shift the position of atoms, ever so slightly, in a way that would not have occurred had I not been there. While this idea may not be empirically testable, it underscores a profound truth: our existence shapes the intricate web of cause and effect that defines reality.

The Universal Impact of Every Life

In the grand tapestry of existence, all humans share two certainties: mortality and influence. Every life, no matter how seemingly insignificant, leaves an indelible mark on the future of humanity. Some, like a world leader, may wield influence that reshapes history in an instant. Others, like a beggar in a distant land, may seem to have little sway. Yet, remove any individual from the cause-and-effect network of reality, and the future shifts—different people are born, different paths unfold. Every person, through their mere existence, contributes to the unfolding story of the universe.

A Purpose for All

This philosophy is my attempt to articulate a universal truth: every life has meaning, no matter the hardships one faces. I write this especially for those grappling with adversity—unemployment, illness, or despair. Your existence matters. Your presence in the world sends ripples that shape the future, even if you cannot see them. This perspective is not about supernatural forces or divine intervention; it is grounded in the assumption that no external power negates the impact of a human life on the causal web of reality.

The Power of Presence

Consider this: the birth of every individual is the culmination of all that has happened in the world before them. Your thoughts, actions, and even your existence influence who will be born in the future. If I had never existed, the world 200 years from now would be populated by different people than it will be because I am here. The same is true for you. This interconnectedness calls for a sense of unity, not only with other humans but with all life. Swatting a fly today might seem trivial, yet it could alter the course of events in ways unimaginable—perhaps even influencing the life of a child born a year from now.

' Living with Conscious Impact

Our influence on the world is vast, far beyond what we typically perceive. We are like near-sighted gods, creating futures we cannot fully comprehend. This awareness shapes my worldview: I am constantly interacting with the future through my presence and actions. A loss today may lead to joy tomorrow; a small act now may spark profound change later. Every person and every event in history is significant, contributing to the trajectory of human reality. My invitation to you is simple yet profound: live with the awareness that you are always shaping the future—not just your own, but that of everyone around you and those yet to come. Embrace your role as a co-creator of the world’s destiny, and let this knowledge imbue your life with purpose and connection.

2025 Jarmo Antero Manninen with the help of grok.com AI