I put back my head, looking up at the deep black sky swimming with hot stars. If you knew they were really balls of flaming gas, you could imagine them as Van Gogh saw them, without difficulty . . . and looking into that illuminated void, you understood why people have always looked up into the sky when talking to God. You need to feel the immensity of something very much bigger than yourself, and there it is - immeasurably vast, and always near at hand. Covering you.
The passage reflects a profound connection between humanity and the cosmos, suggesting that looking up at the night sky can evoke feelings of awe and reverence. The author describes the stars as "hot balls of flaming gas," encouraging a perspective akin to Van Gogh's artistic vision. This imagery highlights the beauty and wonder found in the universe, prompting introspection about one's place within it.
Furthermore, the act of gazing at the stars serves as a reminder of the vastness of existence and our smallness in comparison. This connection to something immense encourages spiritual reflection, as people have historically sought solace and communication with a divine presence in the immensity of the sky. The stars become a comforting blanket, encompassing us and inspiring contemplation about life's mysteries.
