Chapter 2
Space Travel: An Existential Metaphor
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| President John F. Kennedy 1917-1963 |
we do it because it is hard."
—President John F. Kennedy
I have always been fascinated by astronomy and space exploration and travel. My wonder and awe of our world's "Final Frontier" began as a young boy gazing up into the majestic star-filled heavens while living (and sometimes camping) in the remote deserts and mountains of the rural Four Corners area of the United States—where I was born and raised.
As I grew older and began learning more of the known scientific verities of astronomy, my fascination grew even more. Though I was born 10 years and 31 days after Neil Armstrong and his fellow astronauts first set foot on the Moon, I was well aware of the courageous and adventurous spirit that fueled a space shuttle program that was alive and well-respected in my country. Despite an early 21st Century cessation and lull of space initiatives, it warms my heart and stirs my soul to know that spirit has been reinvigorated with public and private plans to return to the Moon and then embark even further to the planet Mars.
"That's one small step for man;
one giant leap for mankind."
—Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong
As a space exploration enthusiast, it is a joy to live in the great Sunshine State of Florida, not far from Cape Canaveral where many rocket and shuttle launches have taken place in the past. My son Tucker was in fifth grade this past year and recently visited Kennedy Space Center on a field trip sponsored by the public elementary school he attends; and he loved it!
Cape Canaveral is also home to Patrick Space Force base.
I used to live in the Houston, Texas area. On more than one occasion, I have been to NASA's Mission Control Center, located in the southeastern corner of the Houston metropolitan area. As I walked around the Saturn V rocket and viewed the original Mission Control room—precisely as it appeared when Neil Armstrong and his colleagues first set foot on the moon—my spirit felt reverent and subdued by the profundity of what had taken place there in July 1969.
I know of few other things that better personify the ambition, greatness, nobility, and vision of humanity than the highly intelligent, skilled, and dedicated men and women who seek to explore outer space. Such persons literally "shoot for the stars"! It is to them and their honor and glory—and all the leaders and personnel who made their journeys possible—that I dedicate the SAL THEORY, in hopes that everyone who will ever read this book might metaphorically "shoot for the stars" in their unique ways in their own educations, careers, and lives.
Some hold the view that space exploration should not be a priority in a country's national consciousness. Why? Because, the detractors say, it diverts people's attention from the many problems that human beings face right here on Earth.
At Freedom Focused, we strongly disagree.
We believe there are few scientific undertakings more beneficial to Earth-life than good-faith efforts to explore that which lies beyond its surface. To begin with, consider the many Earth-based technological advancements derived from the study and exploration of outer space. For example, LASIK eye surgery, specialized firefighting equipment, artificial limbs, freeze drying food processing, and shock absorbers used in making skyscrapers safer in earthquakes; these are just a few of the technologies developed in part by space explorers.
Then there is the expansion—and sometimes explosion—of new scientific knowledge obtained through the study of space travel and by otherwise applying the scientific method to astronomical unknowns.
And don't forget the ways in which space exploration bolsters the ambition, competitive spirit, and vision of those in the rising generation who seek to build upon the aeronautical and astronomical achievements of previous generations. For example, one of my wife's former college roommates at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), studied aerospace engineering and is now an aeronautical engineer. After completing her engineering degree, she got a job working for Elon Musk's ambitious company, SpaceX, which is dedicated to proliferating space travel and exploration in the private sector.
We are proud of her!
We hope many other boys and girls will study hard in school, nurture their ambitions to explore the "Final Frontier," and then follow in Sarah's footsteps to pursue similar careers in a never-ending quest to make further progress as a global community in the vital arena of space study, exploration, and now defense as well through the United States Space Force.
There is also the sense of national—and international—credibility and pride that stems from a nation and world's commitment to explore the seemingly unreachable. All told, there are few things that elevate individual and collective ambition and progress more than when a society sees its best and brightest undertake tasks that seem impossibly difficult. Such endeavors inspire the rest of us to greater heights in our own personal spheres of education, exploration, contribution, and influence.
Though I was only six (6) years old at the time, I can still remember watching my country's President, Ronald Regan, address the nation on television following the disaster of the space shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986. I was attending kindergarten in Monticello Elementary School in Utah at the time and I'll never forget the sobering emotions I felt as I listened to the leader of the Free World share the terrible news of that unprecedented space tragedy.
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| President Ronald Reagan 1911-2004 |
"I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle's take-off. I know it's hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen. It's all a part of the process of exploration and discovery. It's all part of taking a chance and expanding man's horizons. The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them." (2)
There is something great and noble about the human spirit's desire to explore the unexplored, as well as the courage, ingenuity, and intelligence that is required to venture forth into distant realms of the unknown, especially when the potential for accident, failure, pain, and even tragedy are unusually high. The SAL Theory introduced in this book is rooted in the ennobling human virtues of ambition, bravery, and hard work that space explorers have always exemplified and personified.
I have chosen the metaphor of space travel because I hope it will inspire readers to courageously explore the outer realms of their own Existential Potential—their own personal "Final Frontier"—whereby they might, in the inspiring words of John Gillespie Magee, Jr., as quoted by Reagan at the end of his Challenger speech: "Slip ... the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God." (3)
The Value of a Good Theory
Wrote he:
"A good theory doesn't change its mind: it doesn't apply only to some companies or people, and not to others. It is a general statement of what causes what, and why. ... You don't want to have to go through multiple marriages to learn how to be a good spouse. Or wait until your last child has grown to master parenthood. This is why theory can be so valuable: it can explain what will happen, even before you experience it. ... Without theory, we're at sea without a sextant. If we can't see beyond what's close by, we're relying on chance—on the currents of life—to guide us. Good theory helps people steer to good decisions—not just in business, but in life, too." (4)
As you proceed through BOOKS the FOURTH and FIFTH of this comprehensive Life Leadership textbook, I encourage you to not merely read the words, but to diligently study and carefully consider the material and the THEORY and MODEL undergirding it. And remember: the better you understand the SAL Theory, the more empowered and motivated you will be to apply the SAL Model later on.
Then, to further illustrate the practical efficacy and long-term value of these two academic frameworks, I share several true stories of real-life self-action leaders—including myself—who have earned significant success, growth, and freedom by learning, internalizing, and then applying the SAL Theory and Model in their educations, careers, and lives. These narratives are included in BOOK the SIXTH and powerfully illustrate the power and miracle of SAL in the everyday lives of real human beings.
But first comes the THEORY.
The Self-Action Leadership Theory is presented herein as 13 postulated laws and their concomitant corollaries. Before proceeding with the theory itself, it bears reviewing the definitions of these three terms.
POSTULATE
Noun: A principle that is put forth and assumed to be true.
Verb: To put forth a principle that is assumed to be true.
LAW
A generalization based on a fact or event perceived to be recurrent. (5)
COROLLARY
A proposition that follows from, and is often appended to, one already proved." (6)
JFK
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| Bust of President Kennedy on the US 50 cent piece |
In the late 1950s and 60s, astronauts from the Soviet Union transformed science fiction into reality when they launched the first man-made satellite, then an animal (a dog named Laika), and finally a human being into orbit. Then, a little over a decade later, in 1969, American astronauts landed a man on the moon and returned it safely again to Earth. These unprecedented achievements were catalysts in generating the unprecedented development, innovation, production, and prosperity of all the decades to follow.
Just as brave astronauts have courageously explored what lies beyond our planet home for the past 70 years, I hope YOU will choose to explore the outer limits of your own potential. Just as there is no greater astronomical ambition than to explore the Final Frontier, there is no greater ambition than to aim for the highest levels of Existential Growth attainable by human beings.
We therefore invite YOU to begin your own metaphorical and metaphysical journey into outer space—a journey of Existential Growth—that can, in the ambitious and animated words of Buzz Lightyear, eventually take you "to infinity, and beyond!" (7)
The Self-Action Leadership Theory
The Self-Action Leadership Theory is defined as: a comprehensive academic theory of self-leadership and character development rooted in atmospheric and astronomical science and metaphor.
SELF-ACTION LEADERSHIP THEORY
A comprehensive academic theory of self-leadership and character development
rooted in atmospheric and astronomical science and metaphor.
The remainder of BOOK the FOURTH is dedicated to a detailed explication of the SAL Theory. Before diving into all the details of this new theory of self-leadership and character development, we invite you to scan and review the theory's postulated Laws and Corollaries in a cursory and summarized manner below.
SAL Theory LAWS & COROLLARIES
LAW 1. Absolute Truth with a capital "T" exists in the form of immutable and irrevocable Universal Laws. These laws consistently, predictably, and omnipotently govern both the physical and metaphysical worlds, including the natural consequences of human decisions.
Corollary 1.1. Truth often appears paradoxical.
Corollary 1.2. Situational exigencies arise that necessitate legitimate exceptions to virtually every rule of Universal Laws.
Corollary 1.2.1. Legitimate "Exceptions to the Rule" do not violate Universal Laws. They operate harmoniously, albeit paradoxically, within multi-dimensionalities of the laws.
LAW 2. There is a categorical division and a universal distinction between right and wrong.
Corollary 2.1. Right choices consist of thoughts, speech, and actions that lead to the long-term health, happiness, and Existential Growth of all people (and other living things) impacted thereby.
Corollary 2.2. Wrong choices consist of thoughts, speech, and actions that lead to the long-term sickness, misery, and existential atrophy of all people (and other living things) impacted thereby.
LAW 3. All human beings enter the world with an inner light and compass in the form of a metaphysical conscience that prompts them to think, say, and do what is right; and to avoid thinking, speaking, or doing what is wrong.
Corollary 3.1. Your conscience is sharpened of dulled over time in direct proportion to the adherence, or lack thereof, that you grant it.
LAW 4. Every human being is a self-leader and, by extension, the sovereign ruler of his or own metaphysical world.
Corollary 4.1. Self-leaders who think, say, and do what is right—and avoid thinking, saying, and doing what is wrong—become self-action leaders by virtue of their intent.
LAW 5. All human beings possess equal, innate, and infinite Existential Worth in conjunction with unlimited potential for Existential Growth.
LAW 6. All human beings possess the liberty to choose their thoughts, speech, actions, attitudes, and beliefs.
Corollary 6.1. All thoughts, words, and actions create naturally occurring consequences over time.
Corollary 6.2. You cannot arbitrarily determine long-term consequences; they are governed by Universal Laws.
Corollary 6.3. Naturally occurring consequences are no respecter of persons.
Corollary 6.4. In the long-run, naturally occurring consequences shape your physical and metaphysical world.
Corollary 6.5. The results of naturally occurring consequences often take time to measure. (8)
Corollary 6.6. Your Self-Action Leadership capacity and potential carries internal and external variables in the form of benefits and limitations.
LAW 7. You are responsible for the design of your metaphysical world and the long-term direction of your life.
LAW 8. Long-term solutions to most of your problems are found inside, not outside, of your metaphysical world (i.e. your mind, heart, and spirit).
LAW 9. Existential Gravity exists to inhibit Existential Growth and influence the onset of existential atrophy.
Corollary 9.1. Self-action leaders possess power to transcend Existential Gravity over time through Self-Action Leadership.
Corollary 9.2. As higher levels of Existential Growth are reached, Existential Gravity is commensurately transcended.
Corollary 9.3. As Existential Gravity is transcended, your journey towards higher levels of Existential Growth becomes generally easier.
LAW 10. Self-action leaders are capable of unlimited Existential Growth and/or existential atrophy.
Corollary 10.1. Existential Growth is measurable and consists of nine (9) different metaphysical levels (or stages) of ontological development and achievement analogous to nine (9) different levels of Earth's atmosphere and outer space, as follows:
Earth's Atmospheric Layers Levels of Existential Growth
Layer 1: Earth's Surface Level 1: Education Stage
Layer 2: Troposphere Level 2: Beginner's Stage
Layer 3: Stratosphere Level 3: Practitioner's Stage
Layer 4: Mesosphere Level 4: Refining Stage
Layer 5: Ionosphere Level 5: Polishing Stage
Layer 6: Thermosphere Level 6: SAL-Actualization Stage
Layer 7: Exosphere Level 7: Leadership Stage
Layer 8: Outer Space Level 8: Self-Transcendence Stage
Layer 9: Astronomical bodies beyond Earth Level 8: Creation Stage
(i.e. moon, planets, stars, etc.)
Corollary 10.2. Like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, levels of Existential Growth must be attained progressively, and in order, beginning at the bottom level.
Corollary 10.3. Existential Growth cannot be given away, traded for, or purchased; it must always be earned.
Corollary 10.4. Earning Existential Growth is challenging. It requires great efforts consistently expended over time, and often engenders pain along the way.
Corollary 10.5. Existential atrophy can occur after rising to any of the first seven levels of Existential Growth. Self-action leaders who reach Level 8 are assumably safe from this same risk of regression.
Corollary 10.6. A SAL lowerarchy of existential atrophy and regression exists as an inverse of the SAL Hierarchy. Self-leaders who choose to think, say, and do things that are wrong, evil, or destructive regress down the SAL lowerarchy.
SAL lowerarchy: Nine (9) regressive stages of existential atrophy.
Level -1. Discouragement & Deception Stage
Level -2. Deconstruction Stage
Level -3. Mischief Stage
Level -4. Damage and Violence Stage
Level -5. Corruption and Perversion Stage
Level -6. Propaganda Stage
Level -7. Pied Piper Stage
Level -8. Self-Descendence
Level -9. Self-Destruction Stage
LAW 11. Universal Laws determine the price of Existential Growth.
Corollary 11.1. Universal Laws apply to everyone; they are no respecter of persons.
Corollary 11.2. You cannot change, cheat, or circumvent Universal Laws.
Corollary 11.3. Universal Laws create human benefits.
Corollary 11.4. Universal Laws create human limitations.
LAW 12. Humility before Universal Laws is a prerequisite to authentic Existential Growth.
Corollary 12.1. Honesty, integrity, and self-awareness comprise humility.
LAW 13. Your influence on others over time is directly proportional to the control you consistently wield over your own thoughts, speech, and actions.
The less control you have over your own thoughts, speech,
and actions, the less influence you have on other people.
The more control you have over your thoughts, speech, and
actions, the more influence you have on other people.
In Your Journal
- Do you think there is value in investing time, money, effort, resources, and human capital on space exploration and studying the Universe? Why or why not?
- What kinds of long-range personal and professional goals could you set in your life that would metaphorically compare to the ambitious exploration of the Moon, Mars, or beyond?
- How might comparing your personal and professional journey to the exploration of space benefit you in your education, career, and life?
—Dr. JJ
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA
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Chapter 2 Notes
1. Williamson, M. (1992). A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles. New York, NY: Harper Perennial. Page xix.
2. Reagan, R. (1986). President Reagan's Challenger Disaster Speech - 1/28/86. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Reagan Foundation. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa7icmqgsow
3. The closing words of Reagan’s speech following the space shuttle Challenger disaster, which were borrowed from the opening and closing lines of the poem, High Flight, by John Gillespie Magee, Jr., a pilot officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Gillespie was killed in a plane crash in England in December 1941.
4. Christensen, C. M., Allworth, J., and Dillon, K. (2012). How Will You Measure Your Life. HarperCollins: New York, NY, page 12, 14, and 17.
5. New Oxford American Dictionary, Mac OS electronic version.
6. Ibid.
7. Toy Story (1995). Pixar Animation Studios & Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by John Lasseter. Written by John Lasseter, et al.
8. Smith, H. W. (1994). The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management: Proven Strategies for Increased Productivity and Inner Peace. New York, NY: Warner Books. Direct quote (“Results often take time to measure”) from page 145.
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