Reading the novel The Swarm by Frank Schätzing, I have a couple thoughts in mind. 

In the novel, mankind is at the brink of extermination by a swarm of self conscious single-cellular organisms, or the Yrr. They communicate in immediate sonar waves and exist on a group conscience - An alien life form posing as an immediate threat to us.

While the notion is an intriguing one, and the novel a page-turner, other questions rang in my mind. The Yrr is formed by countless intelligent, neuron-like cells, while our civilization is formed by 7 billion individuals. Every one of us is replaceable, like every single cell in the Yrr, yet every one of us are self-conscious. We do realize we exist, albeit we glimmer no better than a white dwarf star several million light years away.

So.. Who am I? Why do I even exist?

You know, sometimes it’s depressing. Whatever accomplishment you have made, what ever massive feats you have achieved, most of the time countless others have done the same. No matter how hard you worked as, for example, a doctor, and gain the respect of your patients, you are still a petty doctor. Every year there are 220 fresh grads who will take your path, and, eventually replace you; No matter how much wealth you have accumulated, unless you are Bill Gates or Warren Buffet, the sum in your account is only a tiny fraction of the world’s riches.

The first half of the picture below sums up what I was thinking.

But oh well.. The second half also reminds me of the OTHER perspective.

It’s rather magical right? Out of 7 billion people, I met you, and fell in love with you.

I miss you, Marilyn. You’d never know how much I cherished you, adored you or loved you.