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1 February 2003 (Saturday): the Columbia

Amen to this. This, too.

Work hard at what you love, do it well, contribute something to the evolution of humanity and our understanding of our place in the universe. I've tried to live by this creed, but I've never succeeded to the extent that those seven astronauts did. They knew the risks; they took them anyway. And for some reason that's a great comfort right now.

Keep shining, wherever you are.

posted by enjelani @ 03:56 PM PST

Replies: 2 comments

Beautifully said. I actually shared part of this post with my students this morning... I talked briefly about how great discoveries (and things worth achieving, in general) almost always require great risks, and I wrote the your words on the board. Some of them, at least, understood. So thank you.

posted by Lynn @ 04 02 2003 05:58 PM PST

Last week, the management had us study the Columbia Accident Investigation Report. In its 200 pages of excruciating detail the report explains properties of thermal foam, aerodynamics of re-entry, Shuttle program goals and administration, schedule and financial pressures. Events are reconstructed, records reviewed, decisions assessed, options analyzed, fingers pointed. Proposals are formulated to improve the safety of space flight.

Is is possible to see an event such as this, or any event, in technical and romantic terms at the same time? And if not, which perspective is more important? One that helps us advance, or one that inspires us to advance?

posted by beefeater @ 28 11 2003 02:08 AM PST