The Heart Of Star Trek

Sometimes I really do believe that “Everything I’ve Learned, I’ve Learned From Star Trek”

Consider this quote from the Original series episode “Who Mourns For Adonais”. The Enterprise is held captive by an entity calling itself Apollo and actually seems to BE the Greek God of Light and The Sun. during the course of the drama, Kirk and the landing party consisting of himself, McCoy, Scotty, Chekov and A&A officer Lt. Carolyn Palamas come in conflict with Apollo who insists that the crew stay and worship him …well…forever. In true Star Trek fashion the lovely Carolyn falls in love with Apollo (this takes about 15 minutes). However, in order to defeat Apollo, Kirk needs her to spurn her lover. GOOD conflict. Below is what he tells her:

KIRK: “Give me your hand. Your hand. Now feel that. Human flesh against human flesh. We’re the same. We share the same history, the same heritage, the same lives. We’re tied together beyond any untying. Man or woman, it makes no difference. We’re human. We couldn’t escape from each other even if we wanted to. That’s how you do it, Lieutenant. By remembering who and what you are. A bit of flesh and blood afloat in a universe without end. The only thing that’s truly yours is the rest of humanity. That’s where our duty lies.”

Those words always resonated with me beyond the context of the episode and even of Star Trek. But those words are at the CORE of what Star Trek is all about. Star Trek endures and resonates with it’s audience because it’s central message, when it is done right, centers around people and our connection to one another. Star trek has never really been about gadgets or starships. It has always been about the human condition. (Rather like Shakespeare in that way, only easier to read!)

Now think about those words in light of the recent disaster in Haiti….” That’s how you do it, Lieutenant. By remembering who and what you are. A bit of flesh and blood afloat in a universe without end. The only thing that’s truly yours is the rest of humanity. That’s where our duty lies.”

It resonates…it applies and it demands our attention and action because we ARE tied to the people in Haiti simply because we are all human beings. Not a bad message to get from a 44 year old TV show.

For me…for many people who have been Star Trek fans going all the way back to 1966, it is the humanity of the show that keeps us coming back. Jim Kirk is correct. We are just a bit of flesh and blood afloat in a universe without end. All you need to do is take a look at a photo of the Earth as seen from space to see that.

Unlike in the Indiana Jones movies, the earth from space has NO borders or lines on it’s surface. It is just ONE planet. A planet where humans currently hold stewardship, and all we have that we can truly call our own IS each other. Someday…soon I think our species will evolve to the point where the borders on our maps will go away as well and we will be one planet in our dealings with one another as a species. Someday humans WILL venture out into the Cosmos. It is in our nature to expand and explore. I really do believe that when we build our own starships and encounter other species that we will find that (to quote Kirk yet again) “Everyone is human”. And that we will be philosophically closer to Federation ideals than to Klingons.

The essential message of Star Trek’s creator, Gene Rodenberry , is that humanity has a positive future of limitless possibilities. I, for one, find that far more appealing that the post apocalyptic vision that permeates so much of the genre. Most Star Trek fans feel the same way. Of course the road to Cosmic Citizenship will not be without many risks and Star Trek addresses this as well. Consider this from “Return To Tomorrow”.

Kirk: “Risk…risk is our business. That’s what this starship is all about. That’s why we’re aboard her”

Kirk’s face absolutely lights up when he delivers those lines. He relishes the challenge to learn new things. To expand the borders of our knowledge….To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before….

That’s 30!...(oh and Live Long and Prosper!)
Mitch