Yesterday's landing of the Huygens Spacecraft on Titan, Saturn's largest moon, is a major step forward for humanity.
When in the early 60s, John F. Kennedy announced the intention of America to land a man on Earth's moon by the turn of the decade, a period of tremendous growth set in - not just in the space and technology industries, but also in the human race as we focused our attention on achieving something great - something that would stretch us way beyond all known boundaries of science and possibility. We achieved that goal - and the flow through benefits for the world have been enormous.
In my mind, what the world needs sorely right now is giant visions for us to focus on for the future. Goals that will draw all our attention to achieving greatness.
In the world of art, it was great men like Lorenzo de Medici who literally created the renaissance out of thin air by their singular vision and focus on creating a legacy of art and beauty for later generations. The renaissance was the equivalent of landing a man on the moon - possibly it was an even greater achievement.
What I see in the world today is too many people and leaders taking care of themselves and thinking only of short-term results. Where is the vision for us as a race to get excited about?
HUMANS NEED GREAT THINGS TO ASPIRE TO! - That is how we achieve greatness and meaning in our own lives.
I am excited by the Casini-Huygens landing on Titan because it represents humanity again extending itself beyond known capabilities to achieve something wonderful. The effort and the science involved in getting that little spacecraft duo through 7 years of space travel, and to arrive at their destination and execute the mission like clockwork against enormous odds is truly remarkable.
What next then? Here is my thought - don't hold your breath waiting for the government or someone else to hold out a great vision for you - you might just end up gasping for air!. Create one for yourself. If there is something that you know you came here to achieve with your life, then get on and do it. Become the person you came here to be.
That was the choice I made recently with my life - I realized that I wanted to dedicate a large part of my life to art - and that is what I am doing. Its not easy, but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
FURTHER READING
- For some interesting images check out The Silent Penguin.
