Why you should care about space exploration even if you are not a space nerd
Why should we explore the universe? As a writer of a blog that is ostensibly about space exploration, I should provide a robust answer. Ever since the beginning of the space age, advocates of space exploration have given justifications ranging from sound and compelling to unrealistic and morally dubious.
In my opinion, more compelling arguments include protecting Earth from the threat of a giant asteroid collision. Scientifically unrealistic and morally dubious arguments include Wernher von Braun’s argument that we should go into space so we can build orbital battle stations to bomb the our enemies to oblivion…
There are many reasons I could give about the practical benefits of space exploration, such as space spinoff technologies that have improved life on Earth, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers, etc., but the one I will focus on is that scientific exploration encourages leisure (bear with me fellow stressed out grad students and post-docs, I will explain) and leisure is the basis of culture.
Joseph Pieper, in his classic essay, Leisure: the Basis of Culture, defined leisure as taking time to stop and slow down long enough and truly appreciate the world. I am not just saying that science is fun, though it is, I am saying that science is a source of awe and wonder that encourages us to pause from our daily grind of making money and solving all the world’s problems long enough to notice it.
Why are awe and wonder so important? One reason is that awe and wonder create unity. We can marvel together over viewing the Grand Canyon or a solar eclipse. It could be argued that collective awe and wonder is what creates communities and shared identity, in other words culture. What was in part behind the construction of Stonehenge, Medieval cathedrals, or the modern space program but a shared sense of awe and wonder, whether of the natural world or the divine, that motivated people to work towards a common goal?
Obviously, science and exploration are not the only way to this, art and religion also provide opportunities to stop and collectively consider the world with awe and wonder, but science is unique in that it beings people together across cultures, religions, and worldviews to be able to appreciate the grandeur of the canyons of Mars, the rings of Saturn, or magnificent desolation of the lunar surface. One day, a common appreciation for the mystery and beauty of the cosmos may create a new culture that thrives on this and other planets.
Many arguments for exploring space are centered around practical concerns, what resources we can access, how it will grow the economy, or even human survival through deflecting asteroids and settling other planets. What often is missing in practical reasons given by space advocates is the value of outer space itself.
Being able to be on the surface of the Moon or Mars, whether in person or through a robot avatar or virtual simulation, shapes you in a certain way in the same way that being in Yosemite Valley or at the Grand Canyon shapes you. If we forget the aesthetic value of space exploration that fosters awe and wonder and just turn the Moon into a giant billboard or mining pit, I believe something will have been lost.
We live in very divided times. What we need is common ground to build a future society on Earth and possibly other planets. A common love of scientific discovery needs to be part of that common ground, for science has a unique ability to unite all people across cultures and ideologies.
I personally experience wonder from learning about the latest discoveries in space exploration, paleontology and archaeology. Tell me, dear reader, what gives you a sense of awe and wonder that you can share with others?