"宇宙が恣意的であると受け入れるなら、それがどうしたというのか。ただそうなのだ。"

The essence of the quote is pretty straightforward: it's about accepting the randomness and unpredictability of life without getting too worked up about it. Imagine the universe as this grand, chaotic dance where events happen not because of some grand design, but just because they do. Accepting this randomness—this idea that things don’t always happen for a reason—can actually be pretty liberating.

Historically, this kind of thinking isn't new. Philosophers like the ancient Stoics, for instance, believed that while we can't control the universe, we can control our responses to it. They taught that it's our interpretations and reactions that cause us distress, not the events themselves. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find people applying this same wisdom in different ways, from mindfulness practices to stress management techniques.

Let’s look at a practical example: Imagine you’re applying for a job you’ve wanted for years. You’ve prepped thoroughly, nailed the interview, and then—boom, you don’t get it. It’s easy to spiral into thoughts like, “I’m not good enough” or “Why do these things always happen to me?” But if you embrace the idea that the universe is arbitrary, you’ll understand it’s not about you. Maybe they had an internal hire or maybe someone else just fit a different need. It’s not a reflection of your worth. It just is.

So, how do you actually apply this in your day-to-day life? Start by noticing when you’re getting upset about things outside of your control. Got stuck in traffic and missed a meeting? Instead of stewing over it, remind yourself that the universe is random. Sometimes stuff just happens. Try to let go of searching for reasons or assigning blame. This doesn’t mean you don’t care or that you don’t take action when necessary. It’s more about recognizing what’s beyond your control and not letting it run your life.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop, waiting for your friend. They’re late—again. Your initial reaction might be frustration or irritation. Why can’t they just be on time? But then, you remember the randomness. Maybe they got stuck in traffic or had a work emergency. Instead of fuming, you decide to enjoy the moment. You sip your coffee, watch the people around you, maybe even strike up a conversation with the barista. You’ve turned what could have been a stressful wait into a pleasant experience. And when your friend finally arrives, you’re not a ball of anger. You’re relaxed and happy to see them.

This approach isn’t about being passive. It’s about choosing your battles and not letting the unpredictable nature of life dictate your happiness. Next time something doesn’t go as planned, take a deep breath and remind yourself: the universe is arbitrary. It just is. And that’s okay.