We need to explore our own deserts and land, which need to be

"We need to explore our own deserts and land, which need to be healed and managed on the planet itself. It is not the time to use and throw this planet and we need to explore deep within more than without. Space exploration should be used to quench human thirst." These words from Sonam Wangchuk call upon us to reconnect with the earth beneath our feet before venturing into the vast unknowns of space. Wangchuk’s reflection is not just a call to responsibility, but to a deep introspection that aligns with the wisdom of the ancients, who understood the importance of balance between the outer and the inner worlds. The true exploration of our world, Wangchuk suggests, begins with the land that sustains us, with the deserts that are not barren but hold the key to healing and nourishment if we choose to care for them.

In the ancient myths, there was often a journey undertaken to the depths of the self, a journey that mirrored the journey of discovery and renewal in the world around us. Odysseus, in his legendary journey, must first confront the challenges of the self before he can return to his homeland. His adventure was not just about external discoveries, but about learning to understand his own inner world—his desires, his weaknesses, and his relationship to those he loved. The earth and our relationship to it, Wangchuk teaches, is no different. Before we can conquer new worlds, we must first conquer our relationship with the land beneath our feet, understanding that our connection to the planet is sacred and cannot be treated as a disposable resource.

Consider, for example, the ancient civilizations that thrived by understanding and living in harmony with their environments. The Egyptians, who built magnificent pyramids in the desert, did not seek to exploit their land, but rather to respect and manage it. They created an intricate system of irrigation, understanding that their survival was tied to the health of their land. Similarly, the Maya in Mesoamerica cultivated deep knowledge of their environment, learning how to thrive in challenging terrains and working with nature rather than against it. These ancient cultures, whose wisdom allowed them to live sustainably for centuries, provide a powerful reminder that before we seek to conquer the stars, we must first understand and heal our relationship with the earth itself.

Wangchuk’s call to heal our own deserts resonates with the wisdom of the ancients, who understood that all creation is interconnected. Space exploration, with its promise of discovery, should not become an excuse for neglecting the very earth that sustains us. The thirst for knowledge that drives us to explore the cosmos should also fuel our efforts to restore and preserve the world we live in. The deserts Wangchuk speaks of are not only literal—vast, arid places—but also metaphorical, representing the neglected wastelands within ourselves and our societies. The thirst to conquer new frontiers should not overshadow the need to nurture and care for the spaces we already inhabit.

Look at the example of Mahatma Gandhi, who, despite leading a nation toward independence, emphasized the importance of self-reliance and sustainability. Gandhi believed that true freedom lay in our ability to live simply, to cultivate our own land, and to respect the natural resources that were so often exploited by colonial powers. His idea of swadeshi, or the self-sufficiency movement, was not just a call to political action but a call to recognize the importance of managing the land in ways that honored its intrinsic value. Gandhi’s example teaches us that exploration does not always mean reaching outward into space; sometimes, it is about turning inward to heal the land that nourishes us and to restore balance to the world around us.

This is the lesson we must learn: before we can look to the heavens, we must first understand the earth beneath our feet. We are called to become stewards of the land, to explore it deeply and responsibly. We must seek ways to repair the damage we have done, to embrace sustainability, and to live in harmony with nature. Just as the ancient sages called us to self-exploration as the pathway to wisdom, so must we explore our relationship with the earth to unlock the true potential of humanity. Only then can we look outward, to the stars, with the wisdom and understanding needed to truly quench our thirst for knowledge.

As you walk through your own life, consider this: Are you living in harmony with the earth around you, or are you taking without giving back? Explore your own deserts—those neglected places in your life, your community, and your relationship with the world—and seek ways to nurture and heal them. Whether through simple acts of conservation, education, or by embracing more sustainable practices in your daily life, you can become part of the great movement that restores the balance between man and nature. Let this journey of exploration be one that begins at home, with the earth that sustains you, and may it guide you to greater wisdom in your pursuits—whether in the stars above or the soil beneath.