Boldly Go

1. Embrace the "Wow" of Lifelong Learning and Experience

Open your eyes, your ears, your mind, and you’ll quickly be overcome by the wonder that surrounds us.

Thirst for Knowledge. The author emphasizes that learning is as vital as oxygen, fueling his existence and bringing him joy. This isn't just about intellectual pursuits; it's about a childlike delight in discovering something new, a feeling he describes as "wow." This constant quest for knowledge keeps him vital, even at 91 years old.

Beyond the Intellectual. Learning isn't confined to books; it's about lived experiences. The author believes that experiences must be felt, not just read about. He seeks out both love and fear, understanding that both are essential for a vibrant life. This is exemplified by his decision to swim with sharks at 90, a terrifying yet exhilarating experience.

Say Yes to New Possibilities. The author's philosophy is to say "yes" to new opportunities, believing that the things we regret most are the things we didn't do. This mindset has led him to take many risks, from skydiving to running across a moving train, all in the pursuit of learning and experiencing life to the fullest.

2. Connection Mitigates Existential Aloneness

I truly believe that we are bound to each other and to the fabric of the universe, down to the microbe, down to the atom, and everything contained therein.

Innate Aloneness. The author acknowledges that we are born alone and will die alone, and that this essential aloneness can resurface throughout life. We try to fill this void with social connections, seeking to create our own families and friendships. This desire to connect is rooted in our evolutionary history, where banding together increased survival chances.

Breaking from Solitude. Humans are driven to break away from aloneness, forming tribes and families for survival and companionship. This cooperation may have unlocked empathy and sympathy in our DNA, as seen in other animals that cooperate and care for each other. The author shares his own experiences with loneliness, highlighting the importance of connection.

The Power of Sharing. Despite the pull of aloneness, there are ways to mitigate it through family, friends, and shared experiences. The author emphasizes the importance of "gaining strength from the sharing," highlighting the need for human connection to combat isolation.

3. Family Bonds: Imperfect, Essential, and Ever-Evolving

I strive with objective knowledge to do what I didn’t do all those years ago: to keep this wonderful unit thriving and to keep us all involved in each other’s lives.

Family as a Foundation. The author recognizes the importance of family as a source of love, support, and connection. He strives to keep his family close, learning from past mistakes where he didn't prioritize these bonds. He emphasizes the need to nurture these relationships, especially with his daughters and grandchildren.

Modern Family Dynamics. The author acknowledges that modern life can pull families apart, with opportunities for education and careers leading to physical and emotional distance. He uses technology to bridge these gaps, highlighting the importance of staying connected despite physical separation.

Striving for Imperfection. The author admits that he is not a perfect grandfather, but he is trying to be better. He recognizes that family bonds can stretch and fray, but he is committed to working to keep them strong. He sees his family as a work in progress, like a blade being forged, constantly being shaped and strengthened.

4. Animals Teach Unconditional Love and Connection

I believe with all my soul that it’s there. In that moment, stroking the belly of this shark, whose skin felt like a strange, rough carpet, my fear disappeared.

Unconditional Love. The author's love for animals, particularly horses, is a central theme. He believes that animals are capable of communicating with pure love, and that this love can be transformative. He shares stories of horses helping veterans and children with disabilities, highlighting the power of animal-human connections.

Animals as Teachers. Animals teach us about devotion, empathy, and the importance of living in the present moment. The author shares stories of rescue animals who, despite past trauma, are able to give and receive love. He also emphasizes the importance of being present for animals at the end of their lives.

Symbiotic Relationships. The author believes that animals and humans are meant to be together, and that these relationships can be mutually beneficial. He sees the transference of energy between humans and animals as a powerful force for healing and connection.

5. Self-Compassion: A Path to Growth and Contentment

Just stop and treat yourself like a friend. Just pause and say, ‘Wait a second. This is hard right now. I’m not alone. How can I be kind to myself in this moment?’ It’s life changing.

Shame vs. Guilt. The author learns the difference between shame ("I am bad") and guilt ("I did something bad"). Shame shuts down learning, while guilt can be a tool for growth. He emphasizes the importance of using language that focuses on behavior rather than identity.

Turning Compassion Inward. The author explores the concept of self-compassion, which involves treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would offer a friend. He recognizes that we often hold ourselves to higher standards than we do others, and that this can be detrimental to our well-being.

Self-Compassion as a Superpower. Self-compassion is a skill that can be learned and practiced. It involves acknowledging our struggles, recognizing that we are not alone, and being kind to ourselves in difficult moments. This practice can be life-changing, allowing us to learn and grow from our mistakes.

6. The Universe is a Mystery, and We Are Part of It

I believe in the mystery: the awesome question of why we’re here and how we’re connected.

Interconnectedness. The author believes that we are all connected to the universe in some way, and that we are only beginning to understand these connections on a physical level. He finds evidence of this interconnectedness in the natural world, from the mycelial networks of fungi to the root systems of trees.

The Power of Questions. The author is drawn to the mystery of the universe, the questions that have no easy answers. He believes that these questions are just as important as the answers, as they drive our curiosity and our desire to learn. He sees the universe as a grand network, and our relationships as a microcosm of its inner workings.

Spiritual Connection. The author identifies as spiritual rather than religious, finding meaning in the mystery of existence and our connection to the universe. He believes that we are here to observe the glory of the universe, and that this observation is a source of profound joy and wonder.

7. Space Reveals Earth's Fragility and Our Shared Humanity

I had thought that going into space would be the ultimate catharsis of that connection I had been looking for between all living things—that being up there would be the next beautiful step to understanding the harmony of the universe.

Unexpected Grief. The author's experience in space was not what he expected. Instead of feeling a sense of wonder and connection, he was overwhelmed by a feeling of sadness and grief. He saw the cold, dark emptiness of space and contrasted it with the warm, nurturing beauty of Earth.

The Overview Effect. The author's experience is consistent with the "Overview Effect," a phenomenon experienced by many astronauts who view Earth from space. This effect involves a profound sense of the planet's fragility and the interconnectedness of all life.

A Call to Action. The author's experience in space has made him even more determined to protect our planet and to strengthen the bonds that connect us to each other. He believes that we must focus on repairing the damage we have done to Earth and to each other.

8. Music: A Universal Language of Connection and Emotion

I adored music, but I had no idea how to make music.

Music as a Form of Expression. The author's journey with music began with a deep love for the art form, but also a recognition that he didn't know how to create it. This led him to experiment with spoken-word poetry set to music, a style that has become his signature.

Music as a Connector. The author believes that music has the power to connect us to each other and to the universe. He sees music as a universal language that can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. He also notes that music activates more parts of the brain than speech.

The Power of Vulnerability. The author's musical journey has been marked by both successes and failures. He has learned to embrace his unique style, even when it is not always understood or appreciated. He sees music as a way to express his deepest emotions and to connect with others on a profound level.

9. Life's Journey: A Tapestry of Highs, Lows, and Lessons

I have lived through some of the greatest triumphs one can imagine. And yet, along with the best moments, I have encountered some of the absolute worst.

Embracing the Full Spectrum. The author acknowledges that life is a mix of highs and lows, triumphs and tragedies. He has experienced both great joy and profound sorrow, and he has learned to appreciate the full spectrum of human experience.

Learning from Adversity. The author has used his experiences with loss and grief to grow and to become more compassionate. He has learned that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for healing and growth. He has also learned that love alone cannot always conquer all, but it can go a long way toward healing.

The Importance of Resilience. The author's life has been marked by many challenges, but he has always found a way to bounce back. He has learned to adapt to changing circumstances and to find strength in his connections with others. He sees his life as a journey of constant learning and growth.

10. Find Beauty in the Mundane and the Magnificent

There is beauty all around us, and there is something ineffable about taking it all in—including the weeds—especially when you stand back to contemplate that those weeds are made of the exact same “star stuff” as we are.

Beauty in the Everyday. The author encourages us to find beauty in the mundane, to appreciate the small details of life that we often take for granted. He sees beauty in the curvature of a tree, the mating of snails, and the patterns of light and shadow.

The Miracle of Existence. The author is in awe of the miracle of existence, the fact that we are all here, on this tiny planet, in this vast universe. He sees the world as a place of wonder and mystery, and he encourages us to approach it with a sense of curiosity and gratitude.

A Call to Action. The author's life has been a testament to the power of curiosity, connection, and compassion. He encourages us to embrace the beauty of the world, to learn from our experiences, and to strive to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Last updated: January 28, 2025