Viewing Earth from orbit, a former NASA astronaut has offered a great insight. Ron Garan, who has spent 178 days in space and finished more than 2,842 orbits, said that mankind is presently “living a lie.”
When Garan muses about his time in space, his insight goes beyond any flat Earth theory and presents a more provocative viewpoint on our existence. Speaking with Big Think, he explained the turning point he had when he came to see that society’s ideas might be essentially false.
Garan experienced what is sometimes referred to as the “overview effect,” a phenomena often reported by astronauts viewing Earth from orbit. This can cause astronauts to experience “spiritual awakenings,” or strengthen their connection to our planet, according BBC’s Sky at Night magazine. Neotic says Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell memorably called it a “explosion of awareness.”
For those who are lucky enough to view our world from such an amazing vantage point, it might arouse surprising and strong feelings. Garan came across a discovery quite “sobering” when he stared out the window.
Garan told Big Think of the captivating dance of auroras that seemed so near and the paparazzi-like flashes of storms, which felt as though we could reach out and touch them. And I watched the incredible fragility of the atmosphere of our planet.
“In that moment, I was struck by the sobering truth that this fragile layer is what sustains every living thing on Earth,” he said.
Garan said he saw “an iridescent biosphere brimming with life,” rather than the state of the economy, and added: “However, given that our human-made systems view everything—including the very life-support systems of our planet—as mere extensions of the global economy, it’s clear from the perspective of space we are living in a false reality.”
In an interview with Forbes, Garan also offered observations on his “profound experience,” which “just blew him away.” “Another feeling I had, which is difficult to express,” he said, “is that being totally detached from Earth somehow made me feel a deep connection to everyone on the planet.” One felt an intense affinity.
Garan’s observations underline a very important lesson: we have to change our priorities. Emphasizing the importance of planetary health above economic interests, the former astronaut has become a vocal environmentalist since his return to Earth.
Along with the Fragile Oasis project, which aims to encourage world-wide good change and sustainability, he established the Manna Energy Foundation, a nonprofit committed to give disadvantaged countries access to safe drinking water. Understanding that access to clean water is a basic human right, the foundation works nonstop to apply creative ideas that will last over time, therefore enabling communities to flourish.
Particularly as humans moves toward the challenges and possibilities given by space travel, the knowledge gained from these activities could be very vital in ensuring a rich and vivid Earth for next generations. Now, by tackling basic problems like environmental stewardship and water access, we can better equip ourselves for a time beyond Earth.