The Most Important Thing

Although there is no one single most important thing, the one for me is "the universe is benign" (also phrased as "the all is not bad"). Everything else can be derived from this one item. For example, in a benign universe, if we really, really need a god, then there is one. (However, I suspect we don't really need one.)

The benignness of the universe tends to distribute into its parts.

The benignness of the universe implies that there is no everlasting hell of fiery torment for individuals to suffer in forever. (They might suffer a long time though.)

It also implies that no matter how bad things get, they can at least end (either with your death, or in some other way).

These things are a great comfort to those of us with big imaginations.

There was a time (when I was a kid) that I was concerned that if I messed up too badly then the whole universe could be ruined. But later I thought that no matter what mess I made, the universe would go on alright anyway (regardless of whether I was around or not). That was comforting.

For some people, the mere "universe is benign" may be too bland. They want a more exciting universe. But great things come with risks. I'm happy to know that if the universe does end tomorrow, at least it's not all my fault.

-John L.