Life begins from a single cell—a wonder shared by all humans and a bridge to the awe-inspiring cosmos Carl Sagan cherished. In polarized times, reflecting on this universal origin can help us feel more united, from the delicate scale of an embryo to the vastness of the universe.
In his book From One Cell: A Journey into Life’s Origins and the Future of Medicine, Ben Stanger examines how embryonic development transforms our understanding of time and existence. Life’s fundamental processes were first understood by studying embryos—from the humble sea urchin to the complex genetics of mammals. Yet, some mysteries remain, including how cells transform into organs and consciousness itself.
Observing embryonic growth offers a rare view of two time-lapse scales—the rapid changes occurring in hours and the evolutionary adjustments that took hundreds of millions of years. This journey, as Stanger notes, is both scientific and deeply spiritual, echoing Sagan’s belief that science and spirituality can coexist and even enhance one another.
While science can demystify how life forms and develops, it often leaves us with deeper questions. Despite a technical grasp of cell biology, the essence driving inanimate molecules to self-assemble into living beings remains elusive. For Stanger, this enigma only amplifies the wonder and spirituality inherent in life.
Our shared cellular origin reminds us of our interconnectedness. All humans, regardless of background, started as a single cell—an elegant truth that fosters empathy, unity, and a profound sense of our place in the universe. As Sagan once said, “In the cosmic perspective, precious.” Embracing this perspective might lead us to celebrate our diversity, united by a common bond in an endless cosmos.
