Physics makes me think of several various philosophical problems. For example, “small” physics—quantum physics—makes me rethink my beliefs about causality and reality.

But it’s “big” physics—cosmology—which makes me rethink my beliefs about time and existence, and it’s during this rethink when I get the most benefit tempering my emotional reaction.

For example, cosmology requires one to think about long stretches of time. It lets me consider the out universe started 13.8 billion years ago, and it will likely end 1 trillion years from now (or 100 trillion years from now–estimates vary). And when I think about these numbers, it helps me put my probably short life span (with its tiny little concerns) of 70-90 years. For example when I get upset about politics, I can look at it from the cosmological time frame. I know that any political situation I am worrying about now had no meaning 10 billion years ago, nor will it have meaning 10 billion years from now. Heck, even my own death will feel the same in 10 billion years from now as pre-life did 10 billion years ago. It will feel like nothing.

Bottom line: In the long run, everything will work out just fine. So my best bet is to fill my brief flash of existence with joy, wonder and awe.