Comments on: It Came From Inner Space

By: Neurointerests

Neurointerests — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:29:43 +0000

This whole post reminded me of the so-called “overview effect.”
http://www.livescience.com/blogs/2007/07/19/overview-effect-goes-viral/

By: Jef Free

Jef Free — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:36:57 +0000

I grew up around astronauts, I know about the “problems” they have after returning from space. My Dad worked for NASA and I did some work as well.Here is the problem. The psychological testing seeks in the applicants a strong ego sense, a strong sense of self. Sadly this is the opposite of what is required. Human beings understanding and definition of reality is based upon where they exist, and are born in a web of energy. Their ego’s perception and understanding is based upon where they are physically located in that web. The reason people who travel great distances in their lives tend to be more worldly is not just because they encountered more diversity but it is actually that the mere physical movement and displacement from their place of birth expands their ego’s definition. However when an ego is removed to such a great distance as outer space, and also depending on the time element, the ego’s point of reference is tenous. Deep space travel is impossible for humans because put simply they would simply “lose their minds”. To be capable of space travel without the jeopardy the ego has to take a back seat, which is impossible for 99.9% of humans. Fears of agression from folks from outer space is un-warranted as agression is an aspect of ego and as noted the ego can’t make the trip. If NASA wants to consider deep space or prolonged space travel it will be necessary to find applicants who can disconnect from their “ego description” of the world. Everyone has a different perception of reality based upon their vantage point. When one is moved so far from a vantage point they understand, their perception makes no sense. Our vantage point is dictated by our position in the web. Unless one can disconnect from their ego’s connection with their vantage point, deep space travel can only result in 2 things, first “insanity”, then possibly enlightenment.

By: Vaughan

Vaughan — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 07:21:57 +0000

Hi Alex,
Thanks for the correction (now fixed in the post!) and thanks for the interesting bit about Lem’s work.

By: Alex Robinson

Alex Robinson — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:03:21 +0000

Er, that’s Lem, not Lev, Vaughan.
That aside, I think it’s quite possible that Lem was informed by those very articles.
Lem worked as a researcher on a Polish journal where his job was essentially to precis Western journals. He kept this reading up even after he became a full time novelist. In fact, it’s staggering how many of his stories both subtly and profoundly expound scientific positions that had just been formulated and not yet popularised, from cosmology to evolutionary biology to artificial intelligence to, well, you get the idea.
Of course, he also had a phenomenally creative imagination, so it’s also possible that he just worked it out himself…

By: colin

colin — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:17:58 +0000

Yay Stanislaw Lem, one of my favorite authors. Interesting to relate this to his “Solaris” novel. The protagonist in his novel “Memoirs Found in a Bathtub” is also one struggling with isolation. However, it is an isolation caused by paranoia and bureaucracy (I swear Brazil is influenced by this novel).