one of her recent letters asks, Is it hubris to believe we all live epics? {Perhaps it is, but I suspect she's not actually counting on me for an answer.}
This quote prompts introspection into the human tendency to view life as grand and meaningful, almost like a personal epic. The question of whether it is hubris—an excessive pride or self-confidence—to believe that our lives hold such importance is a profound philosophical inquiry. Throughout history, many have pondered the significance of their individual journeys amid the vastness of the universe. The phrase suggests a humility, acknowledging that perhaps our narratives are not as grand as we perceive, yet there's an underlying human desire to see our existence as significant. The subtle humor in the remark about not expecting an answer adds a layer of humility and relatability—our lives, despite their epic potential, are often unknowable or insignifiant in the grand cosmic scale. This also touches on the concept of personal agency versus fate, questioning whether we are authors of our own stories or merely characters within larger narratives. It encourages us to reflect on what we deem as an epic and whether this perspective helps us find purpose or merely inflates our egos. Ultimately, recognizing the potentially hubristic overreach in believing we lead epic lives can be freeing, inviting us to embrace humility while continuing to seek significance in our personal journeys, regardless of their scale. The quote resonates with the idea that life's meaning may be subjective, and that acknowledging our limits in understanding our place in the universe is a vital part of wisdom.