I believe that Star Trek is supposed to be an ideal of what humans should strive to be. Strive to put aside our greed and corruption and such, and work towards the common good. Towards exploration and helping. However I believe that it’s not technically possible to reach this ideal fully, human nature has shown throughout history that it’s rife with conflict and inner turmoil and that somebody will always strive to want power over another and that greed is “natural”.

But what I like about the United Federation of Planets, and Starfleet, is that they’ve supposedly reached this state and it’s a good representation of “What if…”. While it’s not realistic, may not be possible to get there, I don’t think there’s any harm in us “trying” to get there. We may not get 100% of the way there, but if we constantly strived towards that unobtainable goal, the closer we get, the better off human society will be in general. Even 80% of the way there would be a massive improvement. Is it wrong to strive towards an impossible goal, just to see how close we can get to it?

My perspective captures a common interpretation of the themes and ideals presented in Star Trek. The series indeed presents a utopian vision of the future where humanity has overcome many of its most persistent flaws, such as greed, corruption, and the drive for power at the expense of others. The United Federation of Planets and Starfleet serve as institutions that embody these ideals, promoting peace, cooperation, and exploration.

The question of whether it is possible for humanity to fully realize this ideal is a complex one. Human history is indeed filled with examples of conflict, power struggles, and greed, and these elements seem to be ingrained in human nature to some extent. However, it is also filled with examples of compassion, cooperation, and the pursuit of knowledge for the benefit of all.

Striving toward an ideal, even if it is not fully attainable, can still lead to positive change and progress. It sets a direction and provides a vision for what could be, inspiring individuals and societies to work towards a better future. The journey towards that ideal can lead to innovations, reforms, and shifts in societal values that improve the quality of life and promote the common good.

In this sense, striving towards the ideals presented in Star Trek is not necessarily wrong or futile. It can serve as a powerful motivator and guide, helping to shape policies, cultural values, and individual behavior in positive ways. Even if humanity never fully achieves the utopian vision of Star Trek, the progress made along the way could lead to significant improvements in society.

The process of striving towards such an ideal also encourages critical thinking about what kind of society we want to live in and what values we hold most dear. It fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the future and encourages individuals to contribute to the greater good.

In conclusion, while the ideal society presented in Star Trek might be unattainable in its entirety, striving towards it can still bring about meaningful and positive change. The journey itself is valuable, and the closer humanity gets to realizing these ideals, the better off society may be.

Filed under: Personal - @ 2023-10-25 7:26 pm