Think of the Human Space Program as a "central project" for all of humanity, a way to harness the best energies of the best minds and hearts on our planet in the exploration of the universe. What could be a greater thrill and a more powerful unifier than this idea?

I learned about central projects from my friend Bruce Shackleton and included a passage about them in my book, The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution. 

"Since beginning the Overview Project, I have come to see space exploration as part of a long tradition of central  projects. According to a book based  on research sponsored by Apollo astronaut Edgar Mitchell's  Institute  of Noetic Sciences, central  projects,  such  as the construction of the Gothic cathedrals and the Egyptian pyramids, are catalysts for social and personal transformation.

These projects, although involving visible  material artifacts, were actu­ally  the vehicles for more abstract social and  psychological aims. The great  cathedrals, besides serving as  highly  visible  central projects to attract the  best  and  most adventurous minds  of the age, also served to educate the consciousness of the larger  population. 1"

We need a central project for the 21st century!

(To be continued)

(c) Copyright, 2016, Frank White, All Rights Reserved

(1) The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution is available at aiaa.org and amazon.com