What a lot of folks don't realize: While number one in their own universe, they are but incidental in those of other people

That line captures a quiet but important truth about how social reality works.

Each person is the protagonist of their own story: their needs, fears, hopes, and narratives sit at the center of their mental “universe.” But in everyone else’s universe, they are usually a supporting character at best, and often just background.

Two implications follow.

First, most slights, neglect, or lack of recognition are not targeted malice; they are indifference born of self-absorption. Others are busy running their own narrative. That can feel cold, but it is also oddly liberating: fewer people are scrutinizing us than we imagine.

Second, realizing one’s own incidental status in others’ universes can be a powerful antidote to ego. It nudges toward humility and perspective: the world is not obligated to reflect back our importance. Influence, respect, or care have to be earned and maintained, not assumed.

Understood this way, your observation is less cynical than it seems. It is a reminder to:

• Take others’ self-centeredness less personally.

• Take one’s own centrality less for granted.

• Be deliberate about the few universes in which we do want to be more than incidental, and act accordingly.