Political Discussion and Commentary @lemmy.world laverabe @lemmy.world 3mo ago

If everyone could go to space and experience the overview effect, what long term effect do you think that would have on public policy?

Obviously i don't think it would be feasible to send everyone into space, but just as a thought experiment.

8 comments

I think the overview effect is due much more to who went to space than to space itself.

The people who could go on space missions are intelligent, curious, thoughtful people because that's what it takes to achieve a spot on the ride. It makes sense that such a person might have a profound realization seeing Earth from outside.

So my answer is that even if everyone went to space, many would be unmoved or moved differently.
- I Dont think I can agree to that.
  
  Those persons were already intelligent and curious, they already knew everything and they already had time to think about it. Still most (if not all) reports a change in the world vision/perception without any hidden truth revealed.
  
  It makes them more globalist and inspire them a feeling of unification that was not there before.
  
  I have the feeling that the info about the entangled systems on earth is already in our brains, the average person is already aware of the interdependence of the systems, but only from the theoretical point of view. Probably seeing the earth from space can trigger the the feeling of "this is real" instead of staying in the theory plane.
  
  For op: we are talking about this:
  
  https://www.sciencealert.com/a-major-psychological-effect-on-astronauts-in-orbit-could-be-essential-for-space-missions
  
  I think you give the average person too much credit. I you gotta think of all people from all places, cultures and educational background. There I see a lot of potential for people who would not experience this effect.
Everyone going to space would have drastic effects on climate change.
Don't think it would change anything, for a few individuals I'm sure it would be revolutionary but most people won't react more than going on a cruise or flying in an airplane.
I think what a lot of people are missing is that most people used to be in total shock and awe of being in a car or bus, and then planes. So much so I still remember people dressing up to go on planes, because it was such a unique experience.

I think the ability to be gobsmacked by looking down on the Earth from space is a lot more common than people here think. The difference between knowing something is possible and seeing and experiencing it yourself is quite different on an emotional, visceral level.
Just look at Bill Shatner's experience with Jeff Bezos.

The average person would be affected. But it's sociopaths that run the world.

8 comments