The Human Brain in Space: Euphoria and the "Overview Effect" Experienced by Astronauts
When in space, astronauts have repeatedly reported inexplicable euphoria, a "cosmic connection" or an increased sensitivity to their place in the Universe. The experience sounds like the ultimate high, or the ultimate enlightening; it would appear that without trying, astronauts are able to attain a similar mental state as meditating Buddhist monks.
All the more reason to populate space. Never mind the Singularity -- when enough of us become "off-worlders" we will have jettisoned much of the territorial baggage that defines the present human condition. Space exploration and colonization aren't merely fruitful components of a transhuman future: they're essential aspects that will change what we are.
I can't think of a scarier prospect for the status quo.
7 comments:
I've always felt that our place here on Earth was to get off the planet. Imagine what would happen if we focused all our energies on exactly that. Where would we go? I think that would present itself.
Interesting post, but until we can grasp the one-way nature of space travel as we know it today, there isn't much of a point in leaving. I've always thought it would be interesting to push a human out of the Solar System much like a Voyager mission, and encourage them to send back their reactions over the years, until they simply vanished into space. It might empower a whole new generation of young people to think differently about their place in the Universe. At the very least, it would get some people to think outside their own orbits.
Survival in space, even orbit, also requires that cooperation and resource sharing - rather than competition and hoarding - become the default modes of thinking and human behaviour. If you want to talk about a transformation of the species, there it is right there.
What slattern23 said.
- anonypost by razorsmile, who is too lazy to log in
... didn't Old Bill Burroughs say something about getting 'off this cop-ridden planet? Great blog, by the way...
Rod--
"Cop-ridden": that says it all. As does "decent church-going women with pinched, mean, bitter, evil faces."
Will humans one day get of the planet using pure thought? Our essence will go while the body stays put. It will save a lot on travel expenses and there will be NO speed limit!
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