"Vous êtes une fonction de ce que fait l'ensemble de l'univers, de la même manière qu'une vague est une fonction de ce que fait l'ensemble de l'océan."

Imagine standing at the edge of the sea, watching the waves roll in. Each wave is a unique expression of the entire ocean's movement. It wouldn't exist without the ocean's vast expanse pushing and pulling it. That's the essence of this idea: just like a wave is part of the ocean, you're part of the universe. Everything you do is interconnected with everything else.

When Alan Watts, a British philosopher, said this, he was speaking to the interconnectedness of everything. He wanted us to realize that we're not isolated beings. Instead, our actions, thoughts, and existence are deeply tied to the broader universe. He was around in the mid-20th century, a time when people were beginning to question traditional views of individuality and exploring more holistic perspectives.

To put this into a real-life context, think about a tree in a forest. It doesn’t just grow on its own. Its roots intertwine with those of other trees, sharing nutrients through a network of fungi. The air it breathes out becomes what other creatures breathe in. This tree is part of a complex, interconnected system. The same goes for us. We aren’t just solitary entities; our lives are part of a larger web.

Let’s say you’re working on a community project. Your effort alone might seem small, like a single wave. But your work influences others—motivating them, helping them, and creating ripples you might not even see. You’re part of something bigger. To apply this wisdom, recognize the impact of your actions. Even small gestures can have significant effects. Smile at a stranger, help a colleague, volunteer your time. Your actions contribute to the collective well-being.

Think back to a time you felt truly connected to something larger. Maybe it was during a concert where the crowd's energy was electric, or during a team victory where everyone's effort combined to achieve success. These moments highlight our interconnected nature. We thrive when we realize we’re part of a whole.

Now, imagine you're feeling down, maybe questioning your place in the world. It’s easy to feel isolated. But remember—like the wave and the ocean—you are part of this vast, interconnected universe. Your feelings, your actions, they ripple out. Reach out. Connect with others. Share your thoughts and listen to theirs. You’ll start to see how your actions, even the seemingly insignificant ones, matter.

So next time you find yourself wondering about your role or feeling disconnected, think about the wave and the ocean. Your existence is a beautiful, intricate part of something much larger. Embrace it. Connect with it. And let that perspective guide you in your daily life.