Former NASA astronaut Ron Garan, who had spent 178 days in space has said that humanity is living "a big lie" when it comes to our understanding of life on Earth. Garan has also served as a fighter pilot and social entrepreneur and has experienced a change in perspective during his time in space. His journey took him aboard the Space Shuttle, the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, and the International Space Station, from where he saw the world in a way that changed his outlook forever.

In an interview with Big Think, Garan explained that people on Earth tend to view the planet’s "life support systems"—the natural resources and ecosystems that sustain life—as just extensions of the global economy. From space, however, he didn’t see an economy; instead, he saw a living, breathing planet, full of vibrant life.

This knowledge made him reject the human mind and he said that people are liars. "We think of the world's life support systems as if they were just part of the economy," Garan said. "But from a space perspective, it's clear that this view is completely wrong. "This change in perception is what astronomers call the "wide view effect," a profound change in perception that occurs when viewing Earth from the deep darkness of the location. Garan describes work as a moment of light, where the connection between all life in this world becomes clear.

A Big Lie
Image Source: X.com

This thought helped him understand the fragile and interdependent nature of the world. According to Garan, this lack of understanding of our world contributes to many of the world's problems we face today, such as war, hunger and poor. He believes that these problems persist because people do not fully understand the extent of the situation. "We think we know the whole picture, but the truth is we only see a very small part," Garan said. He says that this narrow view is the reason people continue to struggle with these problems.

By affirming that we do not have a clearer understanding of our place in the world, real solutions to these challenges are impossible, adding: "We are paying a high price for this narrow vision."Garan's experience in space completely changed his view of the world on Earth, and he hopes that sharing his thoughts will encourage others to rethink their relationship with planet.

His message is clear; man must move beyond his current thinking and fully understand the interconnectedness of the entire universe before the end comes. In Life after space, Garan continues to argue for a responsible and sustainable approach to the way we live on Earth, and encourages others to understand the importance of viewing your planet not as a resource to be used, but as a home to protect.

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