When people talk about the universe, it’s hard not to marvel at how vast and complex it is. For some, this awe leads to the idea that a higher power must’ve designed it all. After all, how could something so intricate and massive come into existence without a guiding hand? But does the universe really need a designer? Let’s take a closer look at the humanist perspective on why the cosmos works just fine without one.

“Something From Nothing?” Yes, actually

Theists often argue: “Something can’t come from nothing”. It’s a comforting notion - after all, we don’t expect pizzas to materialize out of thin air (which I admit would be cool). But the rules aren’t quite so intuitive when it comes to physics. We need to explore a world that is as tiny as the universe is vast: the world of quantum mechanics.

In the quantum world, particles can and do pop into existence spontaneously. This phenomenon, known as quantum fluctuations, shows that “nothingness” isn’t as empty as we think—it’s a seething froth of potential. The universe might have sprung from a quantum event with no divine intervention.

And if that feels mind-boggling, just remember: our minds developed to understand things like catching apples and not getting eaten by lions, not understanding the birth of spacetime.

The Fine-Tuned Universe: A Cosmic Coincidence?

Another popular argument for a cosmic designer is the so-called fine-tuning of the universe. It goes like this: the constants that govern physics—things like gravity, the speed of light, and the strength of electromagnetism—are so precisely calibrated that if they were even slightly different, life wouldn’t exist. Surely, this means the universe was designed for us, right?

Well, there are a couple of ways to tackle this one.

You Are Here: So What?

Imagine you’re looking at a mall directory. There’s an arrow that says, “You Are Here.” Is it a mind-blowing coincidence that the arrow points to your exact spot? Of course not. The map is designed to reflect reality. Similarly, we exist because the universe's conditions allow for our existence. If the constants were different, we wouldn’t be here to marvel at them.

The Multiverse: Infinite Possibilities

Another explanation is the multiverse hypothesis. If there are countless universes with different constants, then it’s not surprising that one of them has the right conditions for life. We just happen to live in that one. No divine calibration is needed—just a lot of cosmic trial and error.

But Isn’t Design… Obvious?

Some religious followers point to the sheer beauty and order of the universe as evidence of design. The planets orbit in perfect harmony; sunsets are stunning, and the rivers flow into the seas. Surely, this can’t all be an accident?

Here’s the thing: complexity doesn’t equal intentional design. The natural world is the product of billions of years of incremental changes governed by simple laws of physics and chemistry. Order emerges naturally from chaos—just think of snowflakes forming intricate patterns or rivers carving valleys: no blueprint required. (I’ll explore the complexity of life in another article.)

The chaos, destruction, and eventual death of the universe also undermine the idea of a designer. A flawless creator wouldn’t craft a universe where most of it is hostile to life, stars explode, and everything ends in a cold void. Instead, these traits reflect a system shaped by natural laws and randomness—far more consistent with a universe that arose naturally, without intention or plan.

Big Bang ≠ Big God

Finally, let’s tackle the elephant in the room: the Big Bang. Some argue that a creator must’ve set off this grand cosmic explosion. But why? The Big Bang theory explains the how of the universe’s beginnings—it doesn’t require a supernatural who.

Moreover, asking “What caused the Big Bang?” leads to an infinite regress: if God created the universe, who created God? Instead of introducing a bigger mystery, science stops at the observable evidence. It’s not that science has all the answers; it simply doesn’t leap to conclusions without proof. Creating a creator to explain the universe’s existence is creating the ultimate childish hack.

Our Humanist Universe: Perfectly Imperfect

The humanist perspective doesn’t diminish our awe when gazing at the stars or contemplating the mysteries of existence - it amplifies it. Isn’t it even more incredible to think that all this arose naturally, without a designer pulling the strings? The universe doesn’t need to be “designed” to be meaningful. Its beauty lies in its imperfections, its randomness, and our ability to understand it through curiosity and reason.

So next time you look up at the night sky, feel free to wonder. But remember: remarkable doesn’t mean miraculous. Sometimes, the greatest wonder is knowing it all came to be without anyone having to plan it.

Additional articles by Andrew