In Alain de Botton's TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talk, titled A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success, Alain de Botton points out the link between our views on success and how we feel about ourselves. He tells us in his talk why a meritocratic society forgets about the randomness of success. I think the space faring society will have an even more extreme version of meritocracy then today. Assuming the interstellar spaceship is the symbol of a space faring society, then that society will think that anyone can do anything. Think of the ideal spaceship; the spaceship of Star Trek. This spaceship is very defiant, it overcomes gravity and thumbs its nose at the laws of physics with its warp drive. The radiation that keep man from exploring space is laughed at with its energy shields. Nothing can stop an ideal spaceship.
If the spaceships of the space faring society influence the development of that society, then we might have a problem. If the society is influenced by the spaceship then we might see bigger expectation that one is successful, far greater then what is seen today. Simply because the ideal spaceship has nothing stopping it from achieving greatness; only poor maintenance or a poor crew can stop it. This might cause the society to think nothing stops a person from success except for personal weakness. I'm speculating with this post, but I'm really curious about how a space faring society will think about success.
Reactions
-Will a space faring society have an extreme view on success?
Resources
Photo by aloshbennett
Botton, Alain de. "A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success" July 2009. Online video clip. TED. Accessed on August 06, 2009. <http://www.ted.com/talks/alain_de_botton_a_kinder_gentler_philosophy_of_success.html>
In Case You Skimmed
- The characteristics spaceship with be reflected in the believes of a society
- A space faring society, because a spaceship can easily overcome obstacles, might think that everyone can overcome their obstacles
