"It is the lot of man to share in the deeper aspirations of the universe around him and to share his own destiny as well as that of the universe, now by adjusting himself to its forces, now by putting the whole of his energy to his own ends and purposes"

Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned philosopher and poet, reflects on the intricate relationship between humanity and the cosmos. He acknowledges that being human means engaging deeply with two linked but distinct realities: the greater universe, with its vast aspirations and movements, and one’s individual path marked by choice and destiny. The human condition is not set apart from the rhythm of the universe; rather, it is both shaped by and woven into cosmic currents. People are naturally drawn to the mysteries and ambitions of existence, sensing within themselves echoes of the universe’s unfolding purpose.

At the same time, each person carries a unique destiny. Life is not passive submission to surroundings, nor is it sheer self-assertion; it is a perpetual negotiation between adapting to the world and striving for personal goals. Iqbal suggests that humans must sometimes "adjust" themselves to the universe’s forces, recognizing cosmic laws, natural limitations, and the realities of existence. This alignment is not a defeat, but an act of wisdom: understanding what cannot be changed, respecting the order underlying creation, and harmonizing one’s will accordingly.

Yet, human beings also possess the power to channel the "whole of their energy" toward self-chosen ends. Creativity, ambition, and will are celebrated here. People are not merely passive observers swept along by fate, but active participants shaping their individual destinies and, through their actions, contributing to the destiny of the universe itself. This dynamic interplay of acceptance and assertion forms the essence of the human experience. Iqbal invites an embrace of responsibility, where one is both a humble participant in a greater order and a courageous author of change. Humanity’s true role lies in this balance, attuning themselves to the universe while daring to transform it through the energy of their own aspirations.