To say that I am a layman on the subject of space would be an understatement. Wearing glasses generally gives the impression to some that whoever is wearing said specs always knows what they are talking about, or is to some degree smart.
Simply put, I just can’t see stuff as well as others. Please do not assume that I am an educated man in the ways of math or science. I am an English major for a reason.
Be that as it may, an interest and excitement does exist within me on space, as does an observation of us all here on the humble planet Earth regarding the same subject.
There was a time when a true excitement on space exploration and advancement was common. Not just with those who pursued said endeavors, but the public and their politicians found a commonality and shared interest with possibly the last frontier and all its possibilities.
This is far better articulated by Neil deGrasse Tyson in the prologue of his latest book, “Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier.” Tyson implies that we as individuals, communities and nations can once again embrace an adventure in the education and exploration of the world and universe around us, including even the galaxies far, far away.
By shifting our priorities, and instead investing our time and resources into something as amazing as discovery, perhaps our infatuations with say: Snookie’s pregnancy, American “idols,” housewives, even dancing B-list celebrities, will reveal their true weight and relevance in our lives.
Arguably as equal a waste of time as they are guilty pleasures, of which I too am a self-made victim of, I can also admit that our current “interests” are as negative as they are unnecessary in our lives. We seem distracted by things that will yield very little, while also causing problems later down the road.
As cool as your Nike shoes are, a child probably made them for less change than you will find in your couch. Nations continue to spend billions upon trillions of your tax dollars to shoot at each other while we gather like pigs at a trough to watch two grown men fight (wrestle) each other in their underwear.
What, no mud?
Meanwhile, the International Space Station floats above us comprised of individuals from all walks of life who are able to put aside personal (even petty or self-indulgent) differences in the name of adventure.
Against birth control? Fine. So long as you admit we’re going to run out of inhabitable land and “stuff” if we just watch television, make babies and burn oil.
The clearest message in Tyson’s long campaign to rejuvenate a public interest in the actual world around us is that you don’t have to be a scientist. If we spent as much time studying and researching advances in technology and education as we do with fantasy sport leagues and following what Oprah or Ellen says, we could truly become an amazing planet of people worthy of exploring, understanding and sharing our lives with, and within the great cosmos.
The world and the universe are what we make of it. We can stay the course or ready ourselves “to boldly go where no man (or woman) has ever gone before.”
Reach the reporter at jbfortne@asu.edu
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