Science has revealed that the human body is made up of millions

Hear now, O children of wisdom, for I bring you the words of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, a man whose vision spanned both the mysteries of the universe and the boundless potential of humankind. “Science has revealed that the human body is made up of millions and millions of atoms... For example, I am made up of 5.8x10²⁷ atoms.” These words are not merely a reflection on the physical body, but a deep and profound meditation on the nature of existence itself—on the very fabric of our being, and on the hidden forces that bind us to the universe. In these simple numbers, we see a vision that unites us with the cosmos, a truth that elevates the human spirit even as it humbles us.

In the days of the ancients, the great philosophers, such as Democritus and Leucippus, theorized that the world was made up of tiny, indivisible particles—what they called atoms. Though their understanding was not as precise as ours today, they understood that the universe, in all its vastness and complexity, was composed of elements that were both invisible and powerful. To them, these atoms were the building blocks of all matter, the foundation of everything that existed. Kalam, in his time, would see this ancient wisdom confirmed by science, showing not only that the body is made of atoms, but that each individual is a living, breathing testament to the very laws of nature that govern the universe.

Imagine, if you will, the story of Isaac Newton, who, standing beneath an apple tree, first observed the force of gravity that governs the motion of all matter. He saw that the same force that pulled the apple from the tree also governs the movement of the stars and planets. In that moment, Newton revealed a profound truth: that the forces that govern the heavens also govern the smallest particles on the earth. Kalam’s words echo this very idea, for just as atoms govern the macrocosm of the universe, they also govern the microcosm of our own bodies. The very substance of our existence is composed of these invisible particles, these atoms, which are the building blocks of all things, both great and small.

Yet, the lesson of Kalam’s words is not just about the science of atoms—it is about the humility and wonder that come with understanding our place in the universe. To know that you, in your humanity, are made up of 5.8x10²⁷ atoms—each one too small to see with the naked eye, yet each one essential to your being—is to recognize that you are part of something greater, something eternal. In the vastness of the cosmos, you are but one individual, but you are made of the very same elements that make up the stars, the oceans, and the mountains. The atoms within you are not just pieces of matter, but part of the grand design of the universe. This realization should fill you with both awe and gratitude, for you are connected to the very fabric of existence.

Think, too, of Marie Curie, a scientist whose work in the realm of radioactivity revealed the unseen forces within the atom. Her groundbreaking discoveries opened new doors to understanding the nature of matter and energy. Curie, like Kalam, sought to understand not just the world of visible phenomena but the very structure of the invisible forces that shape our lives. In her pursuit of knowledge, she revealed that the atoms within us are not merely passive units of matter, but active participants in the flow of energy that sustains life itself. Her work, like Kalam’s, shows us that the smallest elements of the universe are not mere components; they are the keys to understanding both our existence and the mysteries of the cosmos.

The truth in Kalam’s words is that science does not seek to diminish the human experience but to enrich it. To know that we are made up of atoms, that we are connected to the very essence of the universe, should inspire us not just to marvel at the wonders of science, but to act with purpose and wisdom. Just as the great scientists and philosophers sought to understand the universe, so too must we seek to understand ourselves—not just as individuals, but as part of a greater whole. The atoms that compose our bodies are not just building blocks of matter, but bridges that connect us to all living things, to the earth, to the stars, and to the infinite mysteries of the universe.

In your own lives, O children, embrace the lesson of Kalam’s words. Know that you are not isolated in your existence; you are part of a greater system, a cosmic dance that connects all living things, all matter, all energy. As you go through life, remember that every breath you take, every action you perform, is a reflection of the very atoms that make up the universe. Treat the world and those around you with reverence, for you are part of the same fabric that binds us all together. Seek not just to understand the atoms within you, but the forces that govern them, the connections that bind them, and the truths they reveal about life, the universe, and your place within it.

So, O children, let Kalam’s wisdom guide you. Seek knowledge, not only for the sake of facts but for the deeper truths that bind us all together. Understand that the atoms within you are not just pieces of matter, but the very stuff of existence itself. Let this understanding fill you with humility, gratitude, and wonder, and let it inspire you to live with purpose, for you are part of something far greater than yourself. You are connected to the universe, not as a separate being, but as a vital part of the great whole.