Looking Back on Earth from the Moon

Humanity's journey to the Moon was driven by various motives: a competition between world powers to demonstrate technological supremacy and a desire to unify people during turbulent times. Yet, one often overlooked reason for this endeavor was its very existence—the Moon was simply there.

For millennia, we’ve gazed at the Moon with wonder, our closest celestial neighbor. It has inspired poetry, art, and imagination throughout human history. On July 20, 1969, we finally set foot on its surface. However, the most profound moment occurred just prior, in December 1968, when we first glimpsed Earth from this new perspective.

In 1968, the world was fraught with conflict—Vietnam raged on, racial segregation was prevalent, and the Cold War loomed ominously. Yet when Apollo 8’s William Anders captured the iconic photograph of Earthrise, it allowed humanity to see our planet in a new light: a fragile world suspended in the cosmos, not divided by the arbitrary borders drawn on maps.

This perspective ignited a wave of global change, leading to the establishment of organizations such as Doctors Without Borders in 1971, the rise of the environmental movement, and efforts to conclude the Vietnam War, driven by a collective sense of shared responsibility.

As Bill Anders eloquently remarked, "We set out to explore the Moon and instead discovered the Earth."

Deep Space Imagery

Much like the previous topic, images from deep space telescopes like Hubble and JWST evoke wonder and connect us to the vastness of the universe. I believe that storytelling is intrinsic to human nature; it’s how we relate, share knowledge, and ultimately thrive.

This storytelling aspect explains why much scientific work goes unnoticed, while Hubble’s success can be attributed to its ability to narrate a story about our universe and our place within it. After its launch in April 1990, the telescope faced challenges, including a flawed mirror that initially garnered ridicule. However, following repairs in December 1993, it began sending breathtaking images that captured the public's imagination.

Seeing is believing, and for many, these images of space create an emotional connection to the universe, transforming it into a vast tapestry of art. While many images are color-corrected and altered for clarity, the essence lies in the feelings they evoke.

Merriam-Webster defines awe as "an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime." Few experiences embody this definition better than gazing into the infinite cosmos and witnessing the beauty that has existed long before our planet came into being.

The Internet

The internet is a fascinating phenomenon, with arguments for both its positive and negative impacts since its inception as a research tool. Here, I won’t delve into the pros and cons of its evolution but rather focus on the deeper reason it resonates universally beyond utility.

At its core, the internet fulfills our profound desire for connection. As a social species, our survival and success hinge on our ability to forge connections. Language, community, and collaboration have shaped our history, leading us to larger societal constructs.

The internet represents an unprecedented leap in human connectivity, enabling everyone on the planet to connect with one another. Its merits and flaws reflect our own nature; it serves as the culmination of humanity's pursuit to unite and collaborate.

The internet embodies our collective aspiration to engage with a larger whole, to make a difference, and to face the future together—whether that involves sharing knowledge, tackling challenges, or engaging in lighthearted distractions.

Discovering Ancient Art

If the internet is our latest means to preserve our legacy, ancient art may well be humanity’s first expression of existence. Anthropology, the study of humanity, captures the essence of our unchanging nature: "Humans have always been Humans." This means that, despite our ancestors' differing contexts, their emotions and creative impulses remain fundamentally similar to ours.

Throughout history, we have created art to proclaim our existence and significance. Ancient epitaphs memorializing beloved pets express timeless sentiments of love and loss, echoing the emotions we still experience today.

Even humor transcends time; our ancestors were not merely serious figures but also tellers of jokes, as illustrated by a Sumerian tablet from around 3000 BC, which humorously records one of the oldest jokes known to mankind.

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize and adapt through growth. This concept is pivotal in understanding how we can consciously alter our habits, thoughts, and ultimately, our lives.

Traditionally, it was believed that while children's brains exhibited plasticity, adults’ complex brain structures were fixed. However, research has demonstrated that neuroplasticity exists in mammals, and our brains can indeed change based on our experiences and challenges.

This adaptability underscores the idea that we are not locked into our current behaviors or thought patterns. By consciously engaging with new experiences, we can reshape our neural pathways, allowing us to view ourselves through a compassionate lens.

Recognizing our capacity for change instills hope: if we can alter ourselves, we can collectively influence society.

In closing, I appreciate your time spent reading this piece. I hope you found inspiration or insight within these reflections. Stay tuned for a follow-up that will focus on looking ahead.