Thursday, May 15, 2014

Live Long and Prosper: The Star Trek Answer to World Peace

Star Trek has captivated the world with it's sci-fi adventures and special affects.  It has also grasped the audience spirit with it's ongoing human relationship factor.  It is this factor which I believe outweighs the "dazzle" that our eyes see.  What lessons can be learned?  Are there things in the Star Trek genre that the modern world can learn from?  In an interview with Leonard Nimoy, also known as Star Trek's original "Spock", he explains the genesis of the iconic Vulcan greeting "Live long and prosper" and opens up a field of opportunity for all of us to learn.

The purpose of this posting is to bring to bear our sincerity when we encounter each other.  Without malice and insidious agendas, how much greater and peaceful would our species be if we but upheld the absolute respect of another, right from the onset.  I know it seems silly associating simple human nature with a Hollywood production - but why not!  Spock is portrayed as stalwart and strong both in mind and body.  Yet in his final greetings he always expresses gentleness and sincerity.  Consider the spiritual nature of the setting when such respect is shown.  I'm not talking about the Hollywood setting, but rather the real life setting of inviting a spirit of goodwill among a group of people.  This spirit of goodwill cannot be truly felt with anger or enmity displayed but only by goodness and kindness.


According to a website associated with the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies the isolated nation of North Korea has launched two new helicopter frigates.  North Korea has always been viewed with extreme suspicion even prior to the Korean War which ended without a formal peace treaty.  All nations in its growth and progress aims a strong military as a primary goal for the protection of its people.  As a country North Korea has the right to pursue their own protection.  However, the underlying notion is that it may be a prelude action against South Korea or area allies of the United States.

What does all this have to do with the subject I started with?  I ask, what would the state of the region be if we all applied a little faith in humanity, and always greeted our friends and foes with absolute and genuine respect and dignity?  Even if we approach an individual whose intentions are set on genocide and subterfuge, our own entrance to the scene can have a profound influence on the mind and will of that person.  Like ripples in the water our actions have a cascading affect.  Who knows, maybe your genuineness you display softens the back of his mind just enough to prevent the hardships otherwise inflicted on a person or entire people.

Vladimir Putin has engaged Russia in a frenzy land grab.  He has clutched hold of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine and continues to break down order in Eastern Ukraine for eventual inclusion into the Russian Empire.  The mindset of Putin is that of a child in a class with the only big Tonka toy.  He will not let go and gains notoriety for having it.  Imagine the difference the entire geographical area would be if world leaders were able to greet this man with the authenticity of preparedness, resource, strong will, compassion and above all a spirit of resolution to act on behalf of the oppressed.  I guarantee that if a tyrant meets someone they feel is a match for them then most of them would have their hurtful appetites vanquished.  It's the most effective presentation of good over evil.

We can learn a lot from the portrayal of Spock played by Leonard Nimoy.  He also had a manifestation in the eyes of all he greets as one with an unwavering ability and resource to act.  I believe that world leaders today have lost this bona fide spirit of resolution.  Even and especially in the United States.  I believe this infection is quickly spreading down into the very lives of every individual on earth.  If we don't stand up and have faith in the foundation our feet are on when we start a relationship or commence an encounter then we are doomed to failure.

We have vast numbers of good and honest people populating all the continents of the world.  If honest and true leaders don't take on the responsibility of morality and strength in the face of the agents of adversity, then the futures of the good and honest will become strained.  May we all take in a little Hollywood Star Trek and learn the lessons from a little Jewish gesture of "live long and prosper."

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