If the universe is first and foremost only a furtive arrangement of elementary particles, then egotism can't be the only thing that exists. It's a contradictory conclusion. Which raises the possibility of other ways to live as an atomised individual. So what if all this returns to nothingness? It is not within our ability to grasp the infinite timescale of our becoming and ending. We can only experience the now. And that in itself is not necessarily an argument for unbridled egotism.

In contrast to western nihilism, the Chinese have a history of contemplative fatalism. Their poetry and landscape painting reveals an acceptance of overpowering, everlasting nature. These scholars were in awe of their relative insignificance, rather than depressed by it. Instead of egotism, they promoted a culture of contemplation and harmony with nature. Whereas some insist that life is a rat race for fame, power and fortune, the Chinese poet-philosophers saw themselves as being part of a greater, universal system - a furtive arrangement of elementary particles that could not be argued with, or changed. One's goal in life is to learn and appreciate the beauty of this system, and eventually returned to nothingness. It is very Chinese to perceive beauty in the unstoppable tragedy of this cosmic play. This belief system allows one to understand suffering and see beauty even in sadness.

"A famous Chinese philosopher was asked what he could do with a useless tree. He said, 'Why not plant it in the land of non-existence and yourself lie in a state of bliss beneath it, inactive by its side? No axe nor other harm could touch it, and being useless, it would be safe from danger.' This has been my philosophy, in utilitarian civilisations where I and my muse are not wanted. My life is the useless tree. I try to plant my tree in the land of non-existence." -- East Goes West

I like this idea of producing and contemplating art to tap into some eternal meaning, beyond the physical world. Instead of saying "nothing really matters" this philosophy says "I can find beauty in the useless." I can create something out of nothing, and I can give it meaning and depth, which is an act of love, and not of egotism.