In 2021, science philanthropist Yuri Milner published his short book Eureka Manifesto: The Mission for Our Civilization. This personal manifesto serves as an inspiring read for anyone interested in humanity’s purpose in the wider Universe.
One of Milner’s many insights is that the Copernican principle — which suggests that the Earth doesn’t hold a special place in the Universe — “can’t be pushed too far.” Humans might be “on the margins,” he writes, but “we are not insignificant.”
In fact, we might prove so significant that we unpack the mysteries of the Universe. If humanity’s future lies beyond Earth, it’s up to us to find it.
The Only Intelligent Beings Who Can Understand the Universe
The Universe is almost 14 billion years old, and it should exist for trillions more years. As Milner explains in Eureka Manifesto, the visible cosmos is over 93 billion light years across, and it could be one of many in an infinite multiverse.
When we think about the scale of the Universe, we realize how small we are as humans. Historically, we believed we represented the center of the cosmos — we believed that life revolved around us. Modern science has revealed that this isn’t the case and that we are a much smaller part of a complicated Universe.
However, as Yuri Milner explains, this doesn’t mean our role on Earth is any less important. It isn’t where we are, but what we are, that makes us important. For example, as far as we know, humans are the only intelligent beings that are able to explore and understand our Universe.
Humanity: Giving the Universe a Voice
Because of humans, the Universe has a voice to tell its story. In Eureka Manifesto, Milner quotes Carl Sagan: “We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.” We are the beings who can peel back the layers of the Universe to examine and understand the science of its inner workings.
That said, as Milner reminds readers, we shouldn’t become complacent. If humanity doesn’t commit to its mission to understand the Universe, we will lose our voice to tell its secrets.
We won’t understand our purpose to help humanity thrive. We won’t progress science to prevent risks like failed enlightenment and extinction events. We won’t achieve technological developments that would transform our lives in every way imaginable.
Yuri Milner’s Plan to Advance Humanity’s Mission
To help humanity stay on track in understanding the Universe, Milner lays out a plan of action in Eureka Manifesto. He proposes beginning by investing resources into space exploration and fundamental resources.
Next, he suggests celebrating scientists as heroes, much like his Breakthrough Prize does. Every year, the “Oscars of Science” prize ceremony sees industry-leading scientists receive $3 million prizes and celebrate with A-list celebrities.
On top of this, Milner suggests that we should focus more of the education children receive on the Universal Story. This is the story of everything we know about life on Earth and the Universe. When we share the story, we pass the next generation the pen to keep writing it.
He has already started this work with the Breakthrough Junior Challenge. This annual, global contest invites teenagers to produce creative, educational videos about complicated scientific topics to win a set of life-changing prizes.
The Eureka Manifesto plan of action also involves creating a culture that values knowledge and rational thinking. It’s true that only a few high-level researchers will make the groundbreaking discoveries that allow us to understand the Universe. But everyone can contribute to a culture where we encourage discoveries, from micro findings to game changers.
Read more about Yuri Milner’s vision of a universal goal that transcends national and cultural boundaries in Eureka Manifesto.
