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Author
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Topic: Neil deGrasse Tyson: "Two spacefaring nations"
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cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 02-05-2012 03:52 PM
   
quote:
Originally posted by neiltyson:
The original title of the featured book, by the way, was "Failure to Launch: the Dreams and Delusions of Space Enthusiasts"... But the publisher deemed the title to be too depressing, forcing the change to "Space Chronicles."
I liked the original title better! Maybe "space enthusiasts" was too small a target audience; it's not depressing. Or I'm not aware of my depression!  Disillusioned is more appropriate. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-05-2012 04:05 PM
quote:
Originally posted by neiltyson:
So I was surprised that my statement was offered as a debate seed.
While acknowledging it wasn't intended as such, I appreciate your providing the seed nonetheless. It resulted in a good conversation.I'm looking forward to reading "Space Chronicles." |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 02-06-2012 10:31 AM
I am kind of aware of my depression, even though I am technically not "in" the space industry. It bubbled to the surface when I saw STS-135 liftoff as I had tears going down my face once it punched through the clouds and was obscured from sight. Right now I am just a guy on the sidelines who wishes he could do more and is trying to do so, even if it is in a small way. I'll certainly be interested in reading a copy of Neil's book in any event and I am glad he chimed in. He certainly has a gift for communication that very few others have. |
issman1
Member Posts: 1042
From: UK
Registered: Apr 2005
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posted 02-06-2012 10:45 AM
quote:
Originally posted by cspg:
Disillusioned is more appropriate.
Precisely, but I feel one has to be a pessimist in order to be an optimist. And as a space enthusiast in the UK, Dr. Tyson should know dreams of human bootprints on Mars in my lifetime will not happen thereby ensuring I could never have delusions.  |
Fra Mauro
Member Posts: 1586
From: Bethpage, N.Y.
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 02-06-2012 04:13 PM
Well I started this post so I should chime in.Technically, we still are a spacefaring nation but in reality we are losing our will to be one. We look good on paper but when the President and Republican candidates are lukewarm or hostile to space, and even the idea of a moon colony is a subject of ridicule (whether you like Gingrich's plan or not, the conclusion is obvious. It takes a supreme optimist to think that we are going anywhere out of LEO in the next 20-30 years. There are many space enthusiasts out there. However, it is difficult to do much when the politicians, national media and the public aren't behind you. History will record our nation's ignorance. I hope I am wrong and I wish things were different but look at the evidence. |
cjh5801
Member Posts: 185
From: Lacey
Registered: Jun 2009
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posted 02-06-2012 04:26 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Fra Mauro:
There are many space enthusiasts out there. However, it is difficult to do much when the politicians, national media and the public aren't behind you. History will record our nation's ignorance. I hope I am wrong and I wish things were different but look at the evidence.
I think this is the key to what Dr. Tyson is saying. The debate about who is and who isn't a spacefaring nation is just a side issue. The real issue is that the hopes and dreams of space enthusiasts (e.g., us) will never become a reality under the current funding model. If we want that to change, we need to be advocating for a new model. |
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