It’s understandably difficult for people to grasp their place in the history of Earth or even life on Earth. We’re a notoriously self-involved species, which means we have a difficult time imagining a period in which we didn’t exist. Further, humans are also very inept in understanding large numbers, and the history of life on Earth is nothing if not vast — at least from our perspective.
While we may have seen representations of the Earth’s timeline laid out on a football field, The Scope of Science found an equally engaging way to represent our presence in the grand scheme of things by using a chain of falling wooden dominos. Each block represents one million years, so going back to the first cell’s nucleus requires two billion years of travel, or 2,000 dominos.
As for humanity’s place in the chain? Well, we’re fairly new to Earth, so while we may feel as though we’ve been around for longer, our existence falls short of the time represented by just two dominos.
Even if you’re not interested in man’s place in natural history, there’s always the promise that the domino organizer will accidentally set the chain in motion early, taking down 2 billion years of evolution and life in the process.
How’s that for high stakes?
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.