Shatner, Roddenberry and klingon - Is it all really a far cry?

When reviewing all that which is seemingly impossible, we must remember the advances already made by society and see that the impossible is possible in the amount of time that equates to a millisecond when compared with eternity. Science labs now report that they have CREATED A LIFE from scratch; an accomplishment which only a few years ago was thought only to be a work of God. The abilities of science seem to be limitless in this day and age, and the possibilities of technology know no boundaries. But I feel that that this power of the intellectual comes at a price which is generally overlooked by the "young men in a hurry". Especially in today's world, we must be constantly vigilant as to the danger of our creations.

Science progressed in bounds and leaps during the 1960's when David Roddenbery first televised his hit show "Star Trek". But despite the mind-boggling weapons, starships and planets, Roddenberry's heroes make more of an effort to advocate for scientific responsibility than they do progression. The villains presented in the episode of "Star Trek" that we viewed this morning are blinded, not by retardation, but by their intelligence. They are not responsible with their knowledge, and are social elitists who literally place themselves on a pedastal. I believe that Roddenberry saw the advanced weaponry and technological achievements of his day and made these the focus of his warning to us. He argues that our intelligence can make us as retarded as the cave dwellers who unwittingly expose themselves to that which is very much like the abuse of power- an unseen, unheard, unfelt force which lowers our basic humanity.

But this is a very scary thought for most people. Roddenberry suggests that this is because we are cave dwellers. We remain in darkness which prevents us from seeing the truth. But once in a while one man, a "Spock" for example, steps into the light. It blinds him at first, but then he begins to understand the meaning of this sunshine of enlightenment. However, if he were to go back into the cave to try and teach the others, he would be considered a laughingstock.

Roddenbury creates his futuristic story of ignorance and enlightenment with "new" technology. But is it all really new? The concept of a gun was not new until William Shatner began to carry one which shot a laser beam. Space travel was not a new concept, since Kennedy had already by this time announced plans to send men to the moon. Computers were not an idea which had yet to be concieved. I believe that all of this is a mask which Roddenberry uses to disguise the fact that he is challenging society itself to become better. The aims of science influence him, just as they influenced the mind of Mary Shelley over a hundred years ago.

My grandfather has a saying: Give people roots, and give them wings. Today we have limitless possibilities in the field of science. But there is also the limitless danger of living in a cave for eternity. Let us use our wisdom in the right way, be courageous enough to use it, and have the moderation to do all this in the right way- the meaning of justice.