5 Things Star Trek Taught Me About Life
I am a little too young to have enjoyed the original Star Trek on TV. I have seen all the movies and enjoyed them immensely. So for me, I am definitely more of a Next Generation (TNG) fan; I watched the TV series religiously.
After TNG ended, life changed and I moved on to other things. Some things about the show, and Star Trek in general, stuck with me. And as I think back on it, I wanted to share 5 things that Star Trek taught me about myself (and about life).
I like older men, particularly if they have a French name. Riker-schmiker, Jean-Luc was the man! From the moment I started watching TNG I was charmed by Captain Picard. Of French origin, but somehow with a British accent (huh?), Jean-Luc was worldly and sophisticated, calm and cool, subtle and smooth. I had always been a sucker for older men, but this confirmed that my preference was European as well.
Co-workers can be like your family from time-to-time and like family, they can sometimes drive you crazy. When I started my professional career, I dove in completely. I had no work-life balance. My co-workers at work were also my friends and it was impossible to separate the two. There are a lot of positives that come with having that kind of relationship, but there are also many negatives.
You sometimes forget your boss is the boss and not a friend. Love affairs that go wrong can make future work interactions tricky. Sometimes you need an escape from your “crew.” As I moved along in my career, I realized that separation of work and the rest of your life is important, and I learned to maintain different relationships with co-workers that were healthier and more productive. I never forget who the captain is and I always have an escape pod!
There is always a way. The Star Trek crew, no matter original, TNG, Deep Space Nine, Enterprise or Voyager never gave up or gave in. They sometimes came close, but in the end, they always found a way to not get blown up. So when you think the situation is impossible and there are no outs, think twice. There is always an alternative.
Call your Geordi when you need an engineering mine, your Data when you need an impartial opinion, or your Warf if you need someone to kick some ass, but more likely than not, there is someone in your crew who can help you get out of any tough situations.
Being open-minded about other cultures is critical to the success of our galaxy. Having grown up a military brat, I pretty much followed this edict religiously. I believe we must embrace our differences and make room for everyone on this planet. Sure there are times where the Romulans or Klingons might need a smackdown or warning, but ultimately open communication and acceptance will get you a lot farther than war, violence, or brute force.
I may not always agree with everyone I encounter, but I certainly respect their freedom to think and be different from me. That is what makes this universe interesting.
My favorite: Resistance is futile. More than 20 years later I STILL use this phrase! Basically, life is short and full of unexpected occurrences. Don't fret over it, don't resist. Go with the flow; make every day count for what it is, and nothing more. You can fight it, or you can use that energy to live life more fully. You decide.
Bonus: Get out there and explore! The world is vast and there is so much to discover. Near or far, I little exploring never hurt anyone!
Live long and prosper.
Got something that Star Trek taught you about life?
[This post was originally published on November 24, 2009, but has been updated.]
Love your philosophy on life! I couldn’t improve on your 5 – just great -and so important to remember!
Love this post! Star Trek has taught me that things we imagine can become true. After all, communicators gre into cell phones.
BTW, I’m a military brat too.
I’ve learned that if you have a daughter, her stuffed animals become like Tribbles…multiplying faster and faster and taking over the house.
We rented the new Star Trek to watch over the American Thanksgiving holiday.
Funny!
What Star Trek has taught me? Well, I am going to speak about the Star Trek dream rather than the actually film. I applaud the one who started out with just a tiny dream of a galactic adventure. You have to sit back and think….what if the idea of Star Trek never was uttered? Thankfully we know what happened when the vision was shared for this film. It is now a classic that has withstood the test of time and just keeps kicking along. I would love to win this for my husband who is a true Trekki.
Oh man! I am too late to win the DVD. But I LOVE Star Trek. Without giving away my age, let’s just say I was an infant when I watched the originals and loved them from the first episode.
Star Trek has some very loyal fans (Trekkies) and JJ Abrams did a great job in staying true to the themes and charactors in Star Trek, as well as making it fresh for a new generation of fans.
I was raised on classic Star Trek and I do like the newer versions as well. The movie – not so much. It kind of irked me that they went to such lengths to pull the ENTIRE crew together including resurrecting Spock – again. But I did enjoy the actors they found for Kirk, Uhura, and Spock. Good matches.
These are all great life philosophies!! So the phrase Resistance is futile is from Star Trek??? I use that all the time and never knew where it originated from! LOL! 🙂
My husband is a huge fan!! I think he likes anything to do with space, he would agree with this list!
There’s so much to glean from entertainment. I haven’t seen a ton of Star Trek, but it sounds like there is a lot I could take from it.
Ahhh Star Trek! It’s been forever since I’ve watched an episode. You definitely nailed the list!
Resistance is futile. Get out and connect with others in the world. What a great set of maxims to live by!
I used to watch several of the series with my grandma. We had fun together watching them.
Star Trek has taught me to think beyond the boundaries of our natural lines and expand our thoughts and dreams! Great post, Thanks!
Star Trek has taught me more than 5 things but here are the ones you ask for: 1. think outside boundries 2. all things are possible 3. living beings are all unique but special and deserving of respect 4. Dreams beyond this earth! 5. Somethings that you would never think can come true, do and will if we try to allow it!
i have watched star trek from the beginning. but never managed to think the way you do.
I haven’t watched the newest movie but this was great!!
Thanks for sharing, I never thought of Star Trek that way.
Star trek I’ve watched growing up. I like the idea that you can travel the galaxy and discover new life. Discover the outer planets.
Wow this sounds real good and I think the new Star Trek movie will be good