"Everything I had expected to see was wrong."
How It Happened
October 13, 2021, actor William Shatner, known for his role on “Star Trek” as Captain Kirk, boarded the Blue Origin space shuttle with three others, and became the oldest person to travel into space at age 90.
The public seemed to think he’d come back inspired, full of joy and wonder of the mysteries of our universe. Instead, when he returned, he told us he was overwhelmed with sadness.
I thought I would experience a deep connection with the immensity around us, a deep call for endless exploration.
I was absolutely wrong. The strongest feeling, that dominated everything else by far, was the deepest grief that I had ever experienced.
I understood, in the clearest possible way, that we were living on a tiny oasis of life, surrounded by an immensity of death. I didn’t see infinite possibilities of worlds to explore, adventures to have, or living creatures to connect with. I saw the deepest darkness I could have ever imagined, contrasting so starkly with the welcoming warmth of our nurturing home planet.
This was an immensely powerful awakening for me. It filled me with sadness. I realized that we had spent decades, if not centuries, being obsessed with looking away, with looking outside. I did my share in popularizing the idea that space was the final frontier. But I had to get to space to understand that Earth is and will stay our only home. And that we have been ravaging it, relentlessly, making it uninhabitable.
A Catalyst for Mythic Change: The Overview Effect
This surprising scope of grief Shatner experienced is well known among astronauts. It’s called “the Overview Effect,” a term that Frank White coined to explain the experience astronauts were having when seeing Earth from orbit, and feeling an overwhelming awareness of the Earth’s fragility. “There are no borders or boundaries on our planet except those that we create in our minds or through human behaviors. All the ideas and concepts that divide us when we are on the surface begin to fade from orbit and the moon. The result is a shift in worldview, and in identity.”
His Old Myths
The Universe Holds Limitless Possibility and Earth is Our Safe Haven
This perspective, I almost hate to say, may have been very much influenced by science fiction. It envisions an infinite universe teeming with civilizations, adventures, ripe for exploration, and offering a potential escape route for humankind. This is not untrue, but what use are the frontiers of space when they are currently completely outside of human reach? This myth would be much more useful in a time in which humanity is able to traverse endless distances.
Earth was seen as the familiar base in an otherwise unknown and exciting universe. A place where humanity has accomplished great things despite our turmoil, and would always be there for us.
Pros of These Myths
Inspires Exploration and Ambition: The idea of infinite potential fuels dreams of discovering new planets, alien life, and technological advancements that might reshape humanity's future.
Sense of Security and Belonging: This myth provides comfort in knowing that we have a familiar, nurturing place to call home. It can foster a sense of connection to our planet.
Optimism and Hope: The belief in a boundless universe offers vast possibilities, potentially leading to a sense of optimism about the future and humanity's ability to push its boundaries.
Cons of These Myths
Downplays Earth's Uniqueness: Thinking of Earth as simply a haven can lead to overlooking the incredible rarity of life in the cosmos and our responsibility to protect the unique planet we have.
Justifies Exploitation: This perspective can promote a 'frontier mentality,' where Earth is treated as a resource to be used up, while the rest of the universe is imagined as a replacement.
Discourages Environmentalism: If the universe holds countless other potential homes, there's less incentive to care for the one we have, potentially contributing to environmental degradation.
False Sense of Possibility: An overemphasis on distant potential can distract us from addressing urgent problems right here on Earth.
His New Myths
These are a guess as to Shatner’s new outlook on life, based upon what he’s told the media about his journey. But I think it’s a fair approximation.
The Universe as Unforgiving and Even Hostile to Life. The Earth is a Fragile Sanctuary, and We Must Protect it.
Shattering the previous myth of Earth feeling safe, he confronted cold, dark, space, recognizing Earth as a unique and precious anomaly. The protective warmth and abundance of life on our planet now stood in stark contrast to the overwhelming emptiness in which only a minuscule part of it could support life.
This perspective shift brought immense sadness, highlighting humanity's needless destruction of land, and even life itself. Instead of looking outward for escape, he saw the desperate need for inward focus, and the Earth is our sole, irreplaceable home that must be protected.
Notice how the significance of these myths depend greatly on proximity. As we stand directly upon Earth, it becomes immense to us, practically immeasurable, and so we feel lost within it. Then, as we depart from Earth, it becomes small, and suddenly it is knowable. The minutia of details are blended into the larger, comprehensible whole, creating a small and singular entity, which is now easy to ascribe broad beliefs to. Similar to the charming effect of a doll house, which simplifies the complications of life onto one manageable stage.
Pros of These Myths
Promotes Environmentalism: This perspective starkly highlights the preciousness of life on Earth and the precariousness of our existence. It can fuel a powerful sense of urgency to protect our planet.
Realism: This myth aligns with current scientific understanding about the rarity of habitable planets and the potential dangers of the vast, inhospitable universe.
Focus and Responsibility: Recognizing the vulnerability of Earth can encourage a greater sense of personal responsibility and collective effort to preserve it.
Appreciation for Earth: Confronting the harsh reality of the universe can foster a deep appreciation for the beauty and life-supporting nature of our own planet.
Cons of These Myths
Overwhelming Fear and Despair: If taken too far, this view could lead to paralyzing fear or a sense of hopelessness about humanity's future.
Isolationism: It might promote a mindset of self-preservation at all costs, leading to a lack of cooperation or a sense of shared purpose on a global scale.
Discouragement of Exploration: While protecting Earth is paramount, this myth might discourage space exploration altogether, limiting our potential for scientific discovery and future technological solutions to environmental challenges.
Potential Misanthropy: In extreme cases, it could foster a negative view of humanity, seeing us as inherently destructive rather than capable of positive change.
Realigning Ourselves With The Universe and How To Balance The Overview Effect
It’s strange, I think, that for so many of us, we already think about and “know” that life is fragile, precious, and rare. We’ve been taught many times to look within, and I assume most of us do that…when we can. And yet, with experiences like Shatner’s, it also seems obvious that we still do not comprehend the severity of it all. And how can we, when the structure of our society has us running from one place to another scrambling to make money, or in other words, survive? On the other hand, why would we even want to invite the cosmic dread of the overview effect?
Historically, we've held the comforting belief that the universe offers endless opportunities and Earth is our secure haven. However, it’s become apparent that these seemingly ‘good’ myths have some large drawbacks that could be contributing to our demise. Here's how to reconcile these opposing perspectives:
Embracing Duality: Acknowledge that both sets of myths can be simultaneously true. The universe may hold unknown possibilities, but Earth's unique ability to support life makes it irreplaceable within our current understanding.
Perspective Shifts: Allow your worldview to shift with context. When stargazing or contemplating space exploration, lean into the wonder of the unknown and the drive to discover. When faced with environmental issues, let the myth of a hostile universe fuel urgency and protectiveness towards Earth.
Inspiration vs. Complacency: Recognize that myths of "limitless possibility" can inspire ambition or lead to complacency toward our planet. Channel that energy into seeking sustainable technologies and exploring space in harmony with caring for Earth.
The Value of Sanctuary: Intentionally cultivate gratitude for the "safe haven" of Earth. Spend time in nature, be awed by its diversity, and actively support environmental conservation efforts.
Global Unity: The harsh realities of the universe emphasize Earth as our shared and limited home. Connect with different communities, support global initiatives, and champion solutions that protect our planet for all its inhabitants.
It's not about abandoning one myth for another. By consciously integrating the wonder of the unknown with the urgency to protect Earth, we develop a mature relationship with our place in the cosmos. This balance will fuel innovations that honor both our innate desire to explore and our responsibility to the only planet known to harbor the miracle of life.