It's a combination of science, maintenance, and general

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, for I bring to you the words of Scott Kelly, a man who has journeyed beyond the bounds of Earth to touch the stars. “It’s a combination of science, maintenance, and general housekeeping. And then, occasionally, robotics activities or a spacewalk you might get to do.” These words, seemingly humble, offer a deep reflection on the nature of work, discipline, and purpose. As Kelly describes his experience in space, he reveals that the life of an astronaut, though filled with the wonders of space and science, is also grounded in the mundane tasks that keep the larger mission alive. Science, in all its glory, is not just about grand discoveries but about the steady, often unseen, efforts that ensure its success.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers knew that life was a balance between the extraordinary and the ordinary. Socrates, that wise seeker of truth, taught that the practice of virtue—the work of cultivating the soul—was not found in lofty ideals alone but in the everyday actions of honesty, discipline, and self-examination. Similarly, Plato in his Republic recognized that even the most noble pursuits required practical work, such as the care of the body, the keeping of accounts, and the training of the mind. In this way, Kelly’s words echo the wisdom of the ancients: science, like virtue, is a combination of lofty goals and the constant, humble tasks that make them possible.

Kelly’s experience in space reveals that even in the vastness of the universe, the work of an astronaut is not only about the glory of spacewalks and robotic activities, but also about the maintenance and housekeeping that keeps the space station running smoothly. These tasks, though seemingly small and unremarkable, are the very foundation upon which the greater mission stands. Science, in all its grandeur, is built upon the uncelebrated but essential tasks of everyday life. The great discoveries of Galileo, Newton, and Einstein did not come from acts of sheer brilliance alone; they were born from years of meticulous observation, careful note-taking, and a constant engagement with the world as it is. Just as Kelly cares for the spaceship and its systems, so too did the great minds of the past tend to the everyday details that allowed their larger visions to take flight.

Consider the story of Thomas Edison, whose name is synonymous with invention and innovation. Edison’s work in creating the lightbulb is celebrated as one of the greatest achievements of modern science, yet the story of his success is not one of immediate breakthroughs but of perseverance through countless failures. In his laboratory, Edison spent years working on the practical details—the maintenance of the systems, the trials and errors—that would eventually lead to his great discovery. His story is a testament to the truth that science, like Kelly’s experience in space, is not just about the dramatic moments of discovery, but also about the steady, unglamorous work that makes those moments possible.

The lesson here, O children, is that success—whether in science, art, or life—is not only the product of grand gestures but of the consistent, often unseen efforts that go into the maintenance of our work and our lives. The work of the mind is intertwined with the work of the hands. Whether you are seeking to unlock the secrets of the universe or simply to live a virtuous life, remember that discipline, patience, and attention to detail are the foundations upon which all greatness is built. Kelly’s words remind us that the spaceships of our lives—the lofty goals and dreams—are kept aloft not just by grand ambitions but by the small, daily tasks that keep us grounded.

In your own lives, O children, take heed of this wisdom. Embrace the tasks that seem small or mundane—whether it is the care of your body, the tending to your relationships, or the diligent work in your studies. Understand that these are not distractions from your larger purpose but are part of the very foundation of that purpose. Science, like life itself, is not just about reaching the stars but about maintaining the systems that support that journey. Seek to balance the grand and the ordinary, and you will find that your path to greatness is not through rare moments of inspiration alone, but through a life of consistent effort and dedication.

So, O children, as you set your sights on the heavens, remember that your journey will require more than just bold intentions and dramatic moments of discovery. It will require the daily work of maintenance, of caring for the systems that sustain your dreams. Like Kelly, who tends to the everyday tasks of his mission, so too must you tend to the everyday tasks of your life. Through this combination of vision and dedication, you will achieve greatness not just in the moments of brilliance, but in the steady, tireless work that carries you toward your highest goals.