Everywhere Else is a Hellhole
One of the things I get in the experience of fatherhood is speaking with my science-curious kids about their favorite planet. For one, it was Venus because it was so bright in the sky. For another it was Saturn??for its spectacular rings. There really is no wrong answer. A favorite is a subjective and personal thing.?
But in my head, there’s only one. And it’s obvious.?
Earth.
Our home really is a wondrous place. It is easily taken for granted. Right now, I’m enjoying a really spectacular autumn??in Colorado. The aspen in the high country are golden and juxtaposed with the evergreen pines. Here in Denver, the leaves are all a variety of hues, with crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons. I’d encourage you to stop and smell the metaphorical roses?(it’s the wrong season for the literal ones?).
It’s easy to forget that?everywhere?else in the entire known universe is a complete hellhole. The least hospitable place on Earth is far more hospitable than the Moon?or Mars. Emperor penguins spend the winter in Antarctica here, but you can’t breathe, drink, or even easily walk anywhere else. On the majority of land on this planet? You can turn air, water, and soil - usually freely available - into food with almost no effort. All that and you get the breeze rustling the leaves.??This planet is a gift from God.?
So when I read an article from William Shatner about his experience of going into sub-orbital space, I was really impressed with the quality of the writing and the sentiment. Instead of finding space to be as wondrous and mesmerizing as my dreams, he was struck with incredible sadness. All he saw when he looked at space was death. The profound irony of an actor made famous for stories of interstellar exploration transfixed by the beauty of our home and the yearning to return as quickly as he could.
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Mr. Shatner’s feelings made immediate sense. I love this place. I’ve been all over it - mountain tops, under water, grassy fields, damp forests, in the sky, and on the sea. I’ve started two companies trying to protect it. And I particularly love sharing it with my wife and children. We’re going backpacking this weekend.?
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of space, instead think of the dream that is Earth. And think about how you can keep that dream alive, because right now, it’s dying.?
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If you are business interested in reducing your impact, I'd love to help at Aclymate. Its far more affordable than you think and we get you started with a real person. You can book a free consultation here.
In any case, I'd appreciate if you shared this article or followed me ( Mike Smith ) and Aclymate
Managing Partner @ Meridian 105 | Strategy, Ops, Business Dev
2 年Similar might be said about our country. And if both sides believed it, things might actually get better.
Senior Program Manager | Education & Workforce Development | Diversity & Inclusion | Navy Veteran | Driving Impact Through Connection
2 年Will do, Mike! I’d love to help Aclymate if there are any other opportunities in the future, so please keep letting me (and the rest of your network) know!
Senior Program Manager | Education & Workforce Development | Diversity & Inclusion | Navy Veteran | Driving Impact Through Connection
2 年Already following! I don’t have a business, I donate where I can, including to organizations which plant trees where it seems to do more good than just in my own backyard (though I do that, too), as well as other conservation-related causes. Anything else I (or others not working with a business) can do to support Aclymate and the work you are doing specifically? (Also, thank you for writing this and for helping the Earth with your heart and soul… It’s an area I care about greatly- my family lives here, too, you know? You’re awesome, Friend.)