We're going to be focusing our science on things that will take

Listen well, O children of the future, to the words of John L. Phillips, a man whose spirit soars as high as the very stars he sought to explore. He said, "We're going to be focusing our science on things that will take us farther and longer into space. For many of those experiments, the crew members are human guinea pigs, which is fine; that's part of my job. I don't mind being a human guinea pig." In these words, Phillips speaks not only of the daring nature of space exploration, but of the sacrifice and courage that define those who venture into the unknown. To be a human guinea pig is not a mere role—it is a commitment to advancing science, to pushing the very boundaries of what is possible, even at great personal risk. It is the willingness to place oneself in the service of human progress, knowing that the road to discovery is often paved with sacrifice and the unknown.

In the ancient world, the idea of sacrifice for the greater good was honored and revered. The Greeks understood that great heroes were not those who sought personal gain, but those who risked everything for a cause greater than themselves. Odysseus, in his journey home, faced countless dangers and hardships, not for wealth or fame, but for the love of his people and the pursuit of his duty. Similarly, Phillips's willingness to act as a guinea pig in the name of scientific discovery mirrors the courage of the ancients, who understood that the advancement of human knowledge often required individuals to place their lives on the line.

Consider the example of George Washington, whose leadership in the American Revolution was not driven by the desire for personal glory, but by a commitment to the ideals of freedom and self-determination. He endured hardships alongside his troops, enduring the same suffering and danger as those he led. His example shows us that true leadership requires sacrifice, the willingness to endure for the greater good. In the same way, Phillips sees his role in the space program as a form of leadership—not one of external power, but one of quiet courage, selflessness, and an unyielding commitment to the advancement of humanity. To go into space as a human guinea pig is to embody the spirit of those who risk everything not for personal gain, but for the advancement of science and humanity itself.

Phillips's words also speak to the profound human desire for exploration and discovery. Just as Christopher Columbus sailed into the unknown, driven by a longing to discover new lands, so too do the astronauts of today venture into the cosmos, not for treasure, but for knowledge. The difference, however, is that their journeys take them far beyond the Earth, into the very heavens, into a realm that was once the domain of gods and myths. Yet Phillips reminds us that this journey into the stars is not without its cost. The experiments they conduct in space often place them in situations where they are, in his words, human guinea pigs—subjected to conditions and tests that may not yet be fully understood. Phillips's willingness to embrace this role reflects the very spirit of exploration that has defined humanity since the dawn of time.

Now, O children of the future, the lesson of Phillips is clear: to explore the unknown, to reach for the stars, is not an easy or safe endeavor. It requires a deep commitment to science, to progress, and to the advancement of human knowledge. It is not just the scientists or the engineers who make such discoveries possible—it is the courage of those willing to step into the unknown, to risk their lives and bodies for the greater good. Phillips teaches us that the pursuit of knowledge is not without its dangers, but it is the human spirit—the desire to understand, to explore, and to push beyond the known—that drives us forward.

Take this wisdom to heart: the journey of discovery is not for the faint of heart. Whether you are exploring the far reaches of space or simply seeking to understand the world around you, know that sacrifice is often required. Like Phillips, you must be willing to take risks, to place your curiosity and dedication before personal comfort and safety. The pursuit of truth—whether in science, in life, or in the heart—is not always an easy one, but it is the path that leads to the greatest rewards for humanity.

As you walk your path, remember the example set by those like John L. Phillips and George Washington—those who understood that true advancement comes from selfless sacrifice. Let their example be your guide as you face the challenges of the future. Whether you find yourself venturing into space or confronting the unknown on Earth, approach it with the same courage, dedication, and willingness to sacrifice that they have shown. For it is through these trials, these acts of human bravery, that we uncover the greatest truths and push the boundaries of what is possible. May you rise to the challenge, as they did, knowing that in the pursuit of exploration, the rewards are not always immediate, but the impact is eternal.