The Cosmic Love of Loren Eiseley

In the grand tapestry of existence, love is a universal force that transcends individual experiences, echoing the sentiments of Dante and others who see it as the driving force of the cosmos. Loren Eiseley, a paleontologist and philosopher, captures this notion beautifully in his essay from 'The Unexpected Universe.' Writing during the dawn of the space age, Eiseley reflects on humanity's quest for knowledge and the inner expansion that must accompany our exploration of the stars. His journey into the depths of consciousness begins with a mundane accident that leaves him face down on the sidewalk, bleeding. In this moment of vulnerability, he perceives his blood as a microcosm of life, feeling a profound connection to the cellular entities within him, akin to a galaxy losing its stars.

Eiseley's experience is a form of 'unselfing,' a term borrowed from Iris Murdoch, where he transcends the illusion of self and taps into a cosmic love. This realization challenges the human tendency to define oneself through external projections, urging us to embrace our malleable nature and aspire to higher spiritual ideals. Eiseley argues that love, not power or cynicism, has propelled humanity from primitive caves to the heights of cultural achievement. He envisions a world where love for all living things, from animals to the environment, defines our true humanity.

In a poignant reflection, Eiseley recounts his bond with an old seagull, symbolizing a love that transcends survival instincts. Sitting by the ocean, he contemplates the cycle of life and death, finding peace in a love that is pure and unencumbered by material concerns. This love, he suggests, is what remains when all else fades, echoing the timeless truth that 'what will survive of us is love.' Eiseley's meditations invite us to reconsider our place in the universe, urging us to embrace love as the ultimate expression of our humanity.