Astronaut Ron Garan on 178 Days in Space: ‘We Are Living a Lie’

Ron Garan and other seasoned astronauts often describe how their perspective of the world transforms after experiencing what is known as the overview effect. This profound shift in awareness occurs when they view Earth from space, fundamentally altering their understanding of life on our planet.

The Overview Effect is a cognitive shift that astronauts undergo when they gaze at Earth from space. According to King’s College London, this effect leads space travellers to develop a deepened sense of connection with humanity and an overwhelming perception of Earth’s beauty. Researchers liken this experience to a state of awe, triggering unexpected and overwhelming emotions as astronauts come to grasp the weight of their roles.

During his career at NASA, Garan spent 178 days in space, travelling over 71 million miles. Reflecting on his time aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Garan shares how this phenomenon gave him a completely new outlook on life on Earth. The 62-year-old astronaut said, “Seeing our planet from that vantage point, I realised that we are living a lie and are preoccupied with the wrong things.”

In an interview with Big Think, Garan elaborated: “I was struck by the incredible thinness of our atmosphere. In that moment, I was amazed by how this paper-thin layer keeps every living thing on our planet alive. I saw a biosphere teeming with life. I did not see the economy. But from space, it’s clear that our man-made systems are treating the planet as if it were a company with ownership over all its resources, including its life-support systems. That, to me, is a lie.”

Michael Collins, an Apollo 11 astronaut, also expressed his astonishment at how ‘fragile’ and ‘small’ Earth appeared from space. Similarly, Edgar Mitchell of Apollo 14 described his experience as an ‘explosion of awareness’. Even William Shatner, famed for his role in the Star Trek series, felt an ‘overwhelming sadness’ during his suborbital flight, indicative of the emotional impact of the overview effect.

Space philosopher Frank White explores this phenomenon extensively in his book, “The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution”. He offers insights for those on Earth seeking a similar awakening. During NASA’s ‘We Have a Podcast in 2019’, White explained:

We need to see ourselves as part of this organic system. Our fate is intertwined with those we perceive as different from us. We may have different religions and politics, but ultimately, we are entirely connected to each other and to life itself.

White added that beyond this sense of connection, there is a broader awareness. “You know that we are all interconnected and that our differences are not that significant. Yet, this understanding is often intellectual rather than heartfelt. The experiences of astronauts provide profound insights, allowing them to feel this connection genuinely.”

Incorporating a humorous perspective, one might wonder, could space tourism distance people from fascism? Or if we sent politicians and creators of war technologies into space, might they grasp the importance of world peace?

The Overview Effect continues to captivate researchers and the general public alike, highlighting the transformative power of viewing Earth from the vastness of space. As more astronauts share their stories, it becomes evident that this perspective not only shifts individual perceptions but also holds potential lessons for humanity as a whole.