Former NASA astronaut Ronald Garan shared a transformative experience he had while observing Earth from space, describing it as a “lightbulb” moment that revealed humanity’s “lie.” Garan, who has spent 178 days in space and logged 2,842 orbits, said he was deeply affected by the “overview effect” — a shift in awareness that many astronauts experience when seeing Earth from space. He described witnessing breathtaking scenes, like flashes of lightning and the vivid green auroras, as well as the thin, fragile atmosphere that shields life on Earth.
As he looked down, Garan realized that Earth’s natural systems are intertwined and essential for survival. He noted how, from space, there is no evidence of the global economy or social divisions, only a “biosphere teeming with life.” Garan reflected that humanity’s current mindset, which treats Earth as “a wholly owned subsidiary of the global economy,” ignores this truth. He urged a shift in perspective, suggesting that society should prioritize “planet, society, economy” rather than the reverse.
Garan referenced the famous “Earthrise” photo taken by Apollo 8 in 1968, which, for many, was a first glimpse of Earth’s unity and fragility. This photo, he said, marked a global “out-of-body experience” that underscored our shared existence and interconnectedness, reinforcing the notion that there is “no such thing as them, only us.”
In his reflection, Garan calls for an evolution in humanity’s mindset, encouraging people to recognize how interconnected we truly are. This insight, he believes, could help drive a more sustainable and compassionate approach to both society and the planet.
