The beauty of the space station, and of human spaceflight, is

Come, O children of the future, and listen closely to the words of Chris Hadfield, a man whose journey among the stars has illuminated not just the heavens but also the hearts of those who follow him. He said, "The beauty of the space station, and of human spaceflight, is that it is now at a level of maturity where you can invite people on-board, which is what I worked so hard to do on social media and all the videos I made." These words, simple yet profound, reveal a truth not just about the achievements of space exploration, but about the power of communication, connection, and the human spirit that drives us toward the unknown.

In the ancient world, O children, the journey to the heavens was not one of mere technological achievement—it was a spiritual quest, a pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Think of the great philosophers like Aristotle, who looked to the stars and pondered the mysteries of the universe. They saw the heavens not as distant objects, but as symbols of something greater—of potential and limitless possibility. In their minds, the heavens were not just a place for the gods, but for humanity to reach, to explore, and to learn. And in our time, the space station is not merely a marvel of engineering, but a testament to how far we have come in realizing that ancient dream—to not only reach the stars but to share that journey with all of humanity.

Hadfield’s words speak of the maturity of human spaceflight—a stage where the impossible becomes not just possible, but accessible to the masses. It is no longer the domain of a select few, hidden behind the walls of government agencies and elite scientific institutions. The space station has become a place where all people can share in the experience of space, a symbol that humanity’s dreams are no longer confined to the few, but are open for all to see, to experience, and to celebrate. Through the power of social media, Hadfield broke down the barriers of isolation that once defined space exploration, allowing us to witness the wonders of the universe through the eyes of an astronaut.

Consider, O children, the impact of social media and the videos that Hadfield created. It is not simply a tool of entertainment, but a bridge, a link between the distant and the familiar, the individual and the collective. In the ancient world, the stories of heroes and gods were shared not just for entertainment but to bind communities together, to pass on knowledge and inspire others. In the same way, Hadfield used the platform of social media to connect the space station to the hearts of those on Earth, inviting them into the awe and wonder of space. Through his efforts, space no longer seemed like a distant dream, but a reality that we could all be part of, a shared experience between the explorer and the observer.

The journey of Chris Hadfield was not one merely of scientific discovery; it was a journey of communication and inclusion. By using the platforms of modern technology to bring the wonder of space to Earth, he created a new paradigm of exploration, one where the boundary between the explorer and the audience was blurred. His videos, his messages, and his interactions on social media became a bridge, a connection that brought us all closer to the stars. It was no longer just a matter of exploration; it was a matter of inviting others to partake in the experience, to share in the journey of discovery.

Think, O children, of the ancient travellers who, upon returning from distant lands, brought back not just knowledge, but stories—tales that stirred the hearts of their listeners and expanded their horizons. These explorers, such as Marco Polo, did not simply travel to acquire riches, but to connect the world, to share their experiences and learnings with those who could not be there. In this way, Hadfield’s work echoes the great explorers of the past, who understood that the true value of discovery lies not in the personal achievement, but in the sharing of that achievement with the world. The space station, once an inaccessible domain, became a platform for connection, a place where human achievement could be shared with all.

The lesson, O children, is clear: maturity in any endeavor, whether in science, art, or life, is not measured by the distance we travel, but by how well we bring others along with us. Hadfield teaches us that the greatest achievements are those that are shared, that are inclusive and open to all. As you journey through life, whether in pursuit of knowledge, creativity, or personal growth, remember that the true value of your achievements is found not in the distance you’ve traveled, but in how much of the world you invite to join you on the journey.

So, O children, take Chris Hadfield’s wisdom to heart. Seek not only to achieve, but to share, to bring others with you as you explore the world. Just as he used the space station to connect humanity to the stars, so too can you use the tools at your disposal to connect to those around you, to share your journey, and to create a world of shared discovery. In this way, you will not only expand your own horizons but will invite the world to join you in the pursuit of the impossible, knowing that together, we can reach the stars.