I used to love Star Trek (still do). Ok, removing all the goo, Gene Roddenberry was really onto something with that show that evolved into many wonderful segments, like a jigsaw puzzle eventually becoming a clear picture.One of those brisky bits that really moved me was the idea of a Prime Directive.
The Directive ultimately came to fruition during the Next Generation series with Patrick Stewart and Jonathan Frake in the early 90s and lasted 7 seasons.In short, it’s a guiding principle of Starfleet, prohibiting its members from interfering with the internal and natural development of alien civilizations.It is almost biblical in its’ depth and fundamental understanding of human nature; coming from a place of timeless wisdom and humility.I became fascinated with the idea rivalling the allegorical musings of Tolstoy or Huxley and all presented in an entertaining one hour television show on Sunday nights.
You see, within the Star Trek universe, The Prime Directive is a crucial regulation that has all encompassing ramifications in terms of how humanity can sustain itself and evolve peacefully over many millennia.That said; it is rarely practiced.
It is in our primal nature to interfere with other countries, cultures, families, friends and lovers.To recreate them in our own image … to change them in order to fulfill our basic needs because we are fundamentally at the center of our own universe; omnipotent and oppressive.Going ‘where no man has gone before’ means making them one of us and has become a more pragmatic premise.In the practice of foreign relations, acquisitions in commerce, or even in the day to day running of a family, the Prime Directive is nothing more than a lofty idea lacking in practicality and absent of common sense.
With little regard of self or mission; no interference with the social development of said planet (or person), no reference to shared space, other worlds or advanced civilizations can we actually live together.Ok, looks great on TV but doesn’t work in the real world.Right?Ironic, that such an iconic principle can be relegated to mere fiction but that’s just how it works. Better to fantasize than realize.
The Directive reflects both a consequentialist commitment to reducing harm and a Kantian commitment to respecting the autonomy of others. Built into it is an assumption that cultures are better off if left to their own devices (whether those “devices” are social practices or concrete technologies). Interference by Starfleet, even if well-intentioned, is judged likely to mess things up in unanticipated ways — and if the culture in question is to deal with unintended harms, it would be better if they result from the culture’s own free choices. This embodies a kind of anti-colonialist ethos, a commitment to respecting a civilization's own values, beliefs, and practices rather than forcing “better” ones upon them. (Recall that the original run of Star Trek coincided with the Vietnam War, American involvement in which made a policy of non-interference look pretty good to many viewers).
It's in our nature to be helpful.
Maybe this is why the Prime Directive is not an exceptionless rule: Even if Starfleet ought not to play God, nor to use its superior technologies to correct with coercion, ultimately ethics may require that we trust members of other civilizations to choose their own paths even as they grapple with the possibilities presented by contact with Starfleet.Sharing a universe is in itself a kind of intervention. The trick is finding a way to share it on equal terms, but as long as our interests become myopic, will there be conflict and thus the constructive conclusion. A benign benevolence just isn't practical. That said …there is something quite liberating in non-interference even though the practice is often difficult to sustain.It is in our intrinsic natures to express our opinions and to impose our wills on others … especially our children - those we 'love'.
Finding that balance between guidance and imposition is easier said than done.
I was an education counsellor at a private vocational (post-secondary) school for 4 years a decade ago.I hated it but learned one thing.In sales (as in life itself), there’s persuasion and there’s manipulation and there’s really no way of measuring where one ends and where the other begins and ... resistance is futile.
What comes up for me in this careful closure is my first ‘zen experience’ (circa 1985 - true story).
My younger brother and I bought two kites and on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, we trekked down to the Thames River near Woodstock to fly them. Dave always had a way with these things as his kite went up effortlessly and in minutes. He laid back on the grass, lit up a smoke and watched it sail beautifully over the river. I struggled with mine for at least an hour. It crashed several times in a plowed, muddy field and when I finally did manage to get it up (no pun intended) … it wasn’t positioned right. It was over the field, not the river.
I continued to struggle with it until I eventually lost my patience and tied the damned thing to a bush, not caring if it crashed again. Frustrated, I went for a walk along the rivers edge and when I turned to look a couple of minutes later; I was shocked to see that my white kite was gliding beautifully … over the river!
Written on Wednesday Nov. 20, 2024 after an extended locker-room chat with a friend at the Southside Aquatic Centre (Woodstock) who is a moderate Conservative and who believes that a Trump presidency will be a good thing for America.
GULLIBLE - easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.
PERSUASION - in a belief or set of beliefs, especially religious or political ones.
Nighty Night
There is a growing movement that subscribes to a serene sarcasm. A beautiful blend; bold with a crisp, satisfying finish. Safe/secure. Reaction & resentment appears to be on the menu so let’s do one of each. Let’s bring it home shall we? Complacency is a pleasant valley Sunday sermon. Later - looking soulfully into your loved one’s eyes on a romantic night out (that you’re paying for), wondering if she really loves you or is just after your money.
Time shift. Ah, if only we could go back. NEWSFLASH: WE CAN!
It’s warm, cozy and familiar. It’s that fairy tale we were told as kids by our Moms after our bath, in bed after dark with our flannel daffy duck pyjamas on hugging Teddy. It’s mommy giving me a hug goodnight, while a tipsy Dad yells at her from the kitchen, waiting for his late supper. It is what’s REAL. What I remember; long for. It’s what’s here now. Now back again.
Praise be.
Reaction vs. Proaction
Denial is so easy. I mean he IS just Daddy; harmless really. Poor man. I don't care about you, I just want your vote - “oh he’s just kidding/joking” or “he’s not being serious”. “He’s a businessman, it’s how he negotiates” and on and on, justifying the jargon, punctuating the platitudes. Ok but what about Project 2025 (asking)? Strained glare ... “He has denied that, fake news”. But it’s his manifesto, drawn up by all his closest people. Long pause. “There’s no proof he had anything to do with that”. Right. Have you read it? “No. I don’t need to”.
Awareness and humility is woke speak for weakness and I’m not weak. Black Lives, Me Too, Taking the Knee? Shove it. Transgendered should NOT be in MY vocabulary (because I am TOLD it should be). You’re either a man or a woman. Period. End of discussion.
This anti-system sentiment is a wonderful distraction and why not? I’d rather bury my head in the sand than look at what’s obvious … that we are being conned? No it’s YOU that’s being conned! There are REACTIVE and PROACTIVE Populists. Bernie Sanders is an example of the latter. Not about HIM but a greater good for all. Trump/Poilievre & most others are examples of the former; all about them ... their electorate? Pawns. Their critics? Enemies. Lock them up.
Far more potent and way more dangerous.
Epilogue: Larger than Life
Is humanity committing suicide? My suggestion earlier on and the jury is seriously OUT on that one. Maybe our American autopsy is just another episode on Springer. Like nothing matters anymore so destroy it. Only it’s way more entertaining. I’ve always wanted to be a rock star. Jesus. Hurts so good. This is actually what it feels like, because when you get right down to it
... being larger than life is way better than life itself.
