Here's why it's difficult to pinpoint who said it:
* It's a common human experience: Many people throughout history have likely felt this sense of the vastness of the universe contrasted with the brevity and fragility of individual lives.
* Philosophical exploration: The idea of human existence in relation to the cosmos is a recurring theme in philosophy, literature, and art. It's been explored by thinkers like:
* Albert Camus: Known for his existentialist perspective, he wrote about the absurdity of life in the face of a meaningless universe.
* Friedrich Nietzsche: He questioned the meaning of existence and the value of human life in a world without inherent purpose.
* Carl Sagan: A renowned astrophysicist, he emphasized the vastness of space and our place within it, inspiring reflection on the insignificance of individual lives in the cosmic scheme.
Instead of attributing it to a single source, you can think of it as a shared human understanding, expressed in countless ways throughout history.
If you'd like to explore this further, it might be helpful to consider:
* Specific works that resonate with this theme: Poetry, novels, essays, or films that deal with the contrast between human life and the vastness of the universe.
* Personal reflection: How does this concept affect you? What experiences, thoughts, or observations have led you to consider the "immense smallness of life"?
Let me know if you'd like to discuss these aspects further!