James May of Top Gear has flown with a U2 spy plane once [0][1]. When they reached to the edge of space, May said "If everybody could do that once, it would completely change the face of global politics, religion, education, everything".

I can't agree more.

Another thing I believe needs to be watched periodically is Pale Blue Dot [2].

[0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-COlil4tos

[1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtsZaDbxCgM

[2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wupToqz1e2g

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antonvs 11 hours ago | parent | next [-]

I think you overestimate the effect that would have on the kind of people that most need that sort of humility.

Look at what happened with William Shatner and Jeff Bezos when they came back from space. Shatner started to say something about what an impactful experience it was, but Bezos cut him off and was like “Woo! Partay!” and switched his attention to a magnum of champagne.

	▲	extraduder_ire 5 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		Jeff went up two flights earlier, in July 2021 on NS-16. Shatner was on NS-18 in October. I don't know if it's a thing that wears off, if Bezos was just in business-mode the entire time, or just didn't want someone monologuing right after getting back.
	▲	Terr_ 10 hours ago \| parent \| prev \| next [-]
		There's probably a strong self-selection factor going on, in terms of the kind of person that typically seeks out that kind of experience.
	▲	notahacker 7 hours ago \| parent \| prev \| next [-]
		And if the actual U2 pilots (air force pilots and CIA operatives) had come back profoundly changed, someone might have cancelled the programme... Astronauts are regular smart people capable of making good and bad life decisions too.
	▲	mikkupikku 8 hours ago \| parent \| prev \| next [-]
		Extra tactless considering Shatner is a recovering alcoholic.
	▲	Rodeoclash 10 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Exactly what I thought of as well

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kitd 7 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Yeah, that (and Carl Sagan) was what made me think of the idea.

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mlrtime 8 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

"If everybody could do that once, it would completely change the face of global politics, religion, education, everything".

You could have the same effect with LSD/Psilocybin for quite a bit less $$$$.