Since childhood, Tom Chi has been captivated by the mysteries of the universe. His early curiosity led him to conduct astrophysical research at the Harvard-Smithsonian Observatory at just 15 years old. Yet, despite his scientific endeavors, he ultimately realized that understanding people was far more complex than comprehending the cosmos. Through his experiences as a technologist, inventor, and entrepreneur, Chi has uncovered remarkable insights about human civilization and the gaps in our understanding. One such gap is our recognition of the deep and tangible interconnectedness of all things.
We often hear the phrase, "Everything is connected." While many consider this notion abstract or esoteric, Chi argues that it is, in fact, a concrete and scientifically demonstrable reality. To illustrate this, he presents three compelling stories—of the heart, the breath, and the mind.
The Story of the Heart
Every human heart beats because of hemoglobin, a protein in our blood that transports oxygen. At its core lies a molecule called heme B, which contains a single iron atom. Remarkably, the iron essential to life on Earth was forged in the heart of supernovae—massive stellar explosions that occurred billions of years ago. The universe originally contained only hydrogen and helium, and only through the cyclical process of star formation and destruction did iron come into existence.
But why do stars form in the first place? One of the primary drivers of star formation is galactic collisions. When galaxies collide, their interstellar gases mix, triggering new waves of star birth. This cosmic dance is part of an even larger gravitational structure called Laniakea, meaning immeasurable heaven in Hawaiian, which consists of 100,000 galaxies moving in a vast, interconnected gravitational pattern.
Thus, every heartbeat we experience is connected to the very forces that shaped the cosmos. The iron in our blood is a direct consequence of galactic movements billions of years ago, emphasizing the intricate and unbroken link between human life and the universe.
The Story of the Breath
Breathing is fundamental to life, yet Earth’s atmosphere was not always rich in oxygen. Three billion years ago, the planet’s atmosphere contained almost no oxygen but was abundant in carbon dioxide. The transformation of Earth's air was initiated by cyanobacteria, microscopic organisms capable of photosynthesis. Over billions of years, these bacteria converted carbon dioxide into oxygen, paving the way for complex multicellular life.
Approximately 600 million years ago, the accumulation of oxygen led to the formation of the ozone layer, which protected life from harmful solar radiation. This event allowed plants and animals to thrive on land, leading to the explosion of life as we know it today. In a profound sense, every breath we take is made possible by the collective work of these ancient organisms.
What’s more, cyanobacteria never truly disappeared. Their direct descendants, now known as chloroplasts, reside within plants, continuing the cycle of photosynthesis. This means that every human exhalation is mirrored by the inhalation of a plant, and vice versa—demonstrating an ongoing exchange that binds all life on Earth.
The Story of the Mind
The final story of interconnectedness comes through the evolution of thought. Consider the piano: an intricate instrument that enables the creation of music with astonishing complexity and beauty. Concert pianists dedicate their lives to mastering its nuances, developing unique brain structures and neural pathways in the process. However, the ability to play the piano—or even conceive of it—was impossible before the instrument’s invention in 1700.
The piano itself is a culmination of centuries of mechanical engineering, stringed instrument evolution, and human ingenuity. Similarly, new ways of thinking and being are constantly emerging, shaped by the knowledge and innovations that precede them. Chi describes this as the Palette of Being, a metaphor for the array of experiences and skills available to each generation. While we inherit the wisdom of the past, we also contribute new colors to the palette, expanding the possibilities for future generations.
The Greater Perspective
We often perceive ourselves as small and insignificant within the vastness of the universe. We envision a hierarchy where the physical cosmos is the largest entity, followed by the biosphere, society, and finally, the individual. However, Chi offers an alternative perspective—one in which the individual is the starting point. Each person influences society, which in turn shapes the biosphere, ultimately impacting the physical universe.
Through the iron in our blood, the air we breathe, and the thoughts we cultivate, we are deeply interconnected with the cosmos, the Earth, and each other. Recognizing this profound unity empowers us to contribute meaningfully to the world, knowing that even our smallest actions ripple across time and space.
In embracing this awareness, we unlock the potential to shape the future—not just for ourselves, but for all that follows.
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