When we think of Albert Einstein, naturally we consider his contributions to physics and his famous equation.

But he was also a very decent practical philosopher. Recently, I came across a question that he raised that has produced several meaningful insights.

Einstein reportedly said the most important question each of us has to answer for himself is:

"Is this a friendly universe or is this a hostile universe?"

When I was doing my Ph.,D, there was a lot of paranoia among my fellow grad students who shared tales of woe about professors that went out of their way to make life Hell for their proteges. This included burdening them with busywork and dragging their feet in approving chapters of doctoral dissertations.

The belief was: "They're not going to let you out this place!"

At the time I came across a book that said our beliefs are somewhat arbitrary and we should examine the unhelpful ones and replace them with better ones. I found this paranoid belief and disputed it, actively.

"What evidence do I have that my professors are going to obstruct me? Shouldn't I believe the opposite: That they are here to help and they will do everything they can to propel me to success?"

To make a long story short, they were very supportive. I earned my degree right on time, and they helped me to secure a plum of a college teaching job.

Is it a friendly universe or a hostile one?

Coming across this question, I scanned my history to see which I believed during certain periods of my life. Unquestionably, when I believe it is friendly, I get more of those results.

Hope this "perfect question" helps you as much as it has helped me.