"Today we no longer regard the universe as the cause of our own undeserved troubles but perhaps, on the contrary, as the last refuge from the mismanagement of our earthly affairs"

Rudolf Arnheim’s observation reflects a profound shift in human perspective toward the universe and our place within it. Traditionally, people looked to the cosmos with a sense of awe, but also with the belief that it held sway over fate and fortune. Misfortune, suffering, or inexplicable hardship were often attributed to cosmic forces beyond human control, fate, the will of the gods, or the movements of the stars. Humanity's troubles were frequently externalized and ascribed to an indifferent or capricious universe.

Yet, in the contemporary era, we have begun to recognize the power and responsibility we possess in shaping our own lives and societies. Scientific progress, especially in cosmology and physics, has unravelled many of the mysteries that once fostered superstition and fatalistic thinking. As a result, the universe has lost some of its traditional role as the root cause of misfortune. Instead, attention has turned inward, toward the practical realities of human behavior, governance, and the dynamic patterns of society.

Arnheim suggests that the universe now serves as an imagined sanctuary, a symbolic haven, from the very problems humanity has created. Faced with wars, environmental destruction, political strife, and social injustice, all consequences of human decisions, we find ourselves yearning for escape, not from the cosmos but from our own mismanagement. The boundless expanse of the universe, once a source of anxiety or blame, now evokes a sense of purity, distance, and possibility. It stands as an untouched, impartial realm where the failings of humanity have yet to reach.

This changing psychological relationship reveals both the progress and the perils of human self-awareness. Recognizing that our troubles stem largely from our own actions is a step toward accountability. Yet, the longing for escape into the vast, uncontaminated universe underscores the depth of our disillusionment with “earthly affairs.” Seeking solace in the cosmos might inspire humility and perspective but also serves as a subtle indictment of our collective inability to manage the world we've inherited.