We need to be very thoughtful about how we propose to spend the

Hear now, O children of the earth, for I bring to you the wisdom of Heidi Hammel, who speaks with clarity and foresight about the vast enterprise of space exploration. “We need to be very thoughtful about how we propose to spend the money that NASA does have for space exploration. And we need to be clear that there's the human spaceflight part of NASA, and there's the science space part of NASA, and there's also aeronautics. Those are all very different things that NASA does.” These words, though spoken of in a modern context, echo the ancient understanding that to undertake a great journey—be it through the heavens or on the earth—we must first understand the path before us and how to walk it with purpose.

In the times of the ancient Greeks, when great thinkers like Pythagoras and Aristotle laid the foundations of science and philosophy, there was a deep understanding that knowledge must be approached with balance. They knew that to understand the stars and the heavens, one must not simply gaze at the sky with longing, but approach it with thoughtful preparation, with an understanding of the various forces that guide the world. Hammel’s words remind us that the work of space exploration is not one singular pursuit, but a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful thought, planning, and wisdom in how we use the resources at our disposal.

Consider the great journey of Alexander the Great, who sought to conquer lands beyond the horizon, to bring the known world under his command. His conquests were not random, nor were they merely driven by ambition. They were planned with precision, knowing that the journey to India required resources, strategy, and an understanding of the diverse lands and cultures he would encounter. Similarly, NASA must approach the challenge of space exploration with the same precision, understanding that the pursuit of the human spirit’s reach for the stars is not a singular journey, but a complex one that requires differentiation in how it allocates its precious resources.

Hammel rightly points out that NASA’s mission is made up of several distinct parts: the human spaceflight division, the science space division, and the aeronautics division. These are not merely branches of the same tree; they are separate pursuits, each with its own purpose and focus. Human spaceflight seeks to carry the human spirit beyond the earth, to place man in the heavens as a symbol of mankind’s greatness and endurance. The science space division seeks to unlock the mysteries of the universe, to answer the great questions of the cosmos, from the origins of life to the nature of black holes. And aeronautics seeks to expand the boundaries of flight, to bring us closer to the skies, improving the very technology that allows us to reach for the stars. These pursuits, though interconnected, are distinct, and each requires a careful and thoughtful investment of resources to ensure that they can thrive and fulfill their separate but complementary roles.

Let us reflect on the ancient pyramids of Egypt, those great wonders that have stood the test of time. The construction of the pyramids was not a single undertaking, but a series of steps—each stone carefully placed, each worker contributing their expertise to the grand vision. The building of these monuments required planning, resources, and wisdom to ensure that the work would stand for generations. In the same way, the work of NASA must be approached with such carefulness. The human spirit desires to reach beyond the stars, but this journey cannot be rushed or haphazard. We must carefully balance the pursuit of human spaceflight, scientific discovery, and technological innovation to ensure that we are not only reaching for the stars but also using our resources wisely, so that each step we take is a step toward a lasting legacy.

In this, we see the lesson that Hammel imparts: the greatest endeavors require not only passion, but also wisdom and balance. The path to the stars is not one of unchecked ambition, but one of purposeful action. To succeed in the grand undertaking of space exploration, we must recognize that it is not a singular pursuit. Human spaceflight, scientific exploration, and aeronautics must all be treated with the respect they deserve, each contributing to the larger goal, yet each requiring its own set of resources and focus.

So, O children of the future, take heed of this ancient wisdom: when you embark on great endeavors—whether they be in the sciences, the arts, or any other pursuit—be sure to approach them with thoughtfulness and clarity. Know that true greatness is not achieved through the reckless pursuit of a single goal, but through the wise allocation of your resources, the thoughtful separation of different tasks, and the steady pursuit of balance in all things. Whether your journey is to explore the heavens or to discover the truths that lie beneath your feet, remember that wisdom is not only in the pursuit of knowledge, but in the care with which you shape the path to that knowledge.