We are, as Carl Sagan said, a nomadic species. At the dawn of every new technological achievement, we as humans consistently put our new innovations toward traversing unknown frontiers. From crafting sailing vessels to brave the boundless oceans, to creating and navigating the digital plains of the Internet, humankind has a natural propensity for exploration. Now, with the oceans charted and national boundaries drawn, the final beckoning adventure lies beyond the clouds, among the myriad clusters of stars and planets.
However, a tragic flaw in our current society of complacent pioneers is the mindset that all the worthwhile frontiers have been explored, that there are more pressing matters than the worlds beyond our own. For countless reasons, I am of the opinion that this mindset is not only unfortunate, but endlessly detrimental to humanity as a whole.
The value of space travel was impressed on me at a young age. While my introduction to intergalactic exploration was informal, it left a lasting impact. These lessons in bravery and adventure were held weekly, not counting reruns. I am, of course, referring to the TV show Star Trek.
I grew up watching episodes of Star Trek through its many incarnations (particularly The Next Generation, Voyager, and Enterprise) and was struck early on by an overarching theme that stretched across the many seasons: the sincere love for adventure and exploration. Star Trek, for all its schmaltz and camp, has at its heart a very real passion for discovery and an enduring faith in man’s untapped potential, as well as his unquenchable thirst for knowledge. It is Star Trek that presented me with the idea that, as the inhabitants of Earth step out into the vast realm of space, we must take that step as a people united or else we will fail.
Particularly taking into account the existence of countless other sentient species, mankind would have to recognize how necessary it is to cease fighting amongst ourselves. In the Star Trek universe, humanity makes a conscious decision to end war. Only then are we able to become a spacefaring people. Inherent in this show are lessons to take to heart and standards to aspire to. This show inspired me to think beyond this world and reach for the next.
I’m sure that my exposure to Star Trek is directly related to why I place such value on our nation’s space program. When I was younger, I naïvely assumed that the rest of society would understand the value of interstellar exploration. Naturally, I was confused when I first heard the argument that we as a society must first focus on the problems here on Earth before we begin to think of exploring other worlds. After all, some would argue, we have hunger, poverty, and countless other social problems to battle.
Article comments
1 - Glenn Contrarian
Until we reach the stars, all our eggs will be in one basket - Earth. That's not a great way to propagate the species.
I've often likened the earth to the type of flower that when it's ready, expels seeds into the air, that they may land on unknown lands, undiscovered shores. Such a great tragedy it would be if our Earth never got the chance to spread its seed among the stars...
"Space Seed", as it were.
2 - Dr Dreadful
"Earth is the cradle of mankind... but one cannot live in the cradle forever." - Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, astronautical visionary
3 - Glenn Contrarian
Ah, a Star Trek article - like lemmings following a Republican alpha male over the edge, how can we resist?
4 - Igor
Maybe the stars don´t want our seed. Maybe they´re satisfied to put up with us sticking our unmannned sigmoidoscopes into them. Maybe we should be happy with that courtesy.
5 - Victor Lana
I think Star Trek always appealed to me because it presented an ideal future for earth (all races live and work in harmony). The show also extended that to humanoids and countless species of aliens. Yes, there were bad guys like the Klingons, but Kirk and company had to follow the rules in engaging them.
So, whatever the case, the "prime directive" seemed to make sense then and it's not too shabby now either.
6 - El Bicho
"Kirk and company had to follow the rules in engaging them."
Did we watch the same show? Kirk was well known for not following the rules
7 - Jet Gardner
#6-Indeed not, we'd be damned bored if he did!
8 - Victor Lana
Kirk was supposed to follow them (according to the rules) but chose not to. That is why he was the only cadet to ever beat the system. Still I recall Kirk pretty much following the prime directive (unless you count the time he left a communicator behind in a "Piece of the Action").
9 - El Bicho
Naturally, some folks listed his violations.
10 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
"Our petty squabbles amongst ourselves amount to nothing when measured against the humbling, awe-inspiring wonders of the universe."
And yet,imho, those "petty squabbles" between scientists have done more to provide answers about the universe then space travel has. After the Moon landing, our travel has been to fix the Space Station,while here on Earth, the Large Hadron Collider has presented some interesting findings.
11 - Jackrabbit Media
I agree with you 100%. I think we should establish a non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the human species. We must take it upon ourselves to travel the great beyond. I am certain there are enough like-minded people that we can get the ball rolling.