So, whenever Scooter was the Pilot, he never had a chance to fly

In the vast expanse of space, where human ambition and technology converge, there is an ancient lesson about the nature of opportunity and legacy. Duane G. Carey, a man who reached for the stars, reflects on the playful yet profound nature of his journey when he says: "So, whenever Scooter was the Pilot, he never had a chance to fly the orbiter. So, the joke is: I'm going to have a chance to fly it first and hand it over to him." These words are not just about the playful camaraderie shared between two astronauts, but a deeper reflection on timing, opportunity, and the idea of passing the torch—a concept that has echoed through the ages.

The ancient wisdom of leadership and mentorship tells us that there are times in life when one is called to lead and others are called to follow, but this balance shifts in time. Socrates—the philosopher whose wisdom shaped much of Western thought—believed that true leadership was not about personal glory, but about guiding others to reach their potential. Just as Carey jokingly speaks of flying the orbiter and passing it on, Socrates understood that leadership was about enabling others to succeed, knowing that sometimes opportunity comes not when we desire it, but when it is our time to pass the reins to the next generation.

This idea of passing the torch is found in every great society and every culture. The Romans understood this well. Their very concept of civic duty required that individuals, once they had risen to the height of their influence, should make way for the next generation of leaders to carry forward the mantle. Julius Caesar, for all his greatness, did not seek to hold on to power forever. He knew the empire’s strength lay in its ability to foster new leaders—which is why he took such great care to build alliances and pass on his knowledge. In this sense, Carey’s reflection on the opportunity to fly the orbiter first and pass it to his colleague reflects an ancient and timeless truth: the greatest leaders are those who understand when it is their moment to lead, and when it is time to empower others to take the next step.

Consider also the story of Alexander the Great, who, after his remarkable conquests, realized that his own legacy would be shaped not just by the lands he conquered, but by how he prepared his successors. Alexander did not hold onto power in a selfish way; instead, he sought to mentor and guide those who would come after him, knowing that the future of his empire depended on their ability to take the reigns. In Carey’s words, we see a reflection of this ancient understanding: the greatest legacy is often not in what we achieve alone, but in how we set up others for success after us. This is the moment of passing the orbiter forward, giving others the chance to take flight.

The lesson here is one of patience and humility—that sometimes the most important thing is to wait for the right moment, to prepare the next generation, and to embrace the opportunity to pass the torch. Carey’s joke, in its playful nature, carries a deeper message. It is not about taking all the glory, but about sharing it. His lightheartedness reminds us that in the end, it is not the individual who matters most, but the collective effort. Just as the great architects of history, like the Egyptians, passed down their knowledge to future generations, so too must we look beyond ourselves and ensure that the legacy we leave is one of growth, empowerment, and shared triumph.

In our own lives, whether in leadership, family, or work, we must recognize that there are moments when we are the ones leading and others are following, but there will also be times when we must step aside and allow others to rise. Carey’s reflection teaches us that we should not hold on to opportunities or responsibilities out of ego, but rather that we must prepare others to take the reins and continue the journey. Leadership is not about holding the orbiter for ourselves, but about ensuring that others have the chance to fly it.

So, let us take Duane G. Carey’s wisdom to heart. As we navigate our own paths in life, let us embrace the idea that success is not about keeping the spotlight on ourselves, but about ensuring that those who come after us are ready to take on the challenges we leave behind. Whether in our personal lives or in our professional endeavors, we must build the foundation for others to rise, to take their place, and to continue the work we have started. The orbiter of success must pass from hand to hand, each person taking flight when their time has come, and leaving their mark for others to follow. In this way, we fulfill not just our own journey, but the journey of all those who walk beside us.