The phrase alludes to the comparative insignificance of human existence when juxtaposed with the enduring and immense scale of the natural world, specifically geological formations. It highlights a profound difference in temporal and spatial scales. While human lifespans are relatively brief and geographically limited, rocks and mountains persist for millennia and dominate landscapes.
This comparison serves to emphasize the transience of human affairs and the relative unimportance of individual concerns within the vastness of geological time and the physical world. Historically, such contemplation has been used to encourage humility, to shift perspective from individual ego to a broader understanding of existence, and to inspire a sense of awe and respect for the natural environment.
