When is a television show more than a great distraction from the rigors of the workday or a way to escape boredom in a day filled with doldrums? When does it become more than a title in your streaming queue and a genuine part of your life? For myself, and likely for many others, it’s when that show begins to teach life lessons, such as Star Trek has over the years. From facing challenging life changes to staying true to oneself, these 4 lessons still resonate with us today.
1. Change is essential
In the original series when the crew of Enterprise encounters two beings of the same race who despise each other because their very culture has made them enemies, (“Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” season 3, episode 15,) Kirk warns them that they must change their views before hatred destroys them. When Commissioner Bele insists that his enemy, Lokai, is unable and unwilling to change, Spock replies, “Change is the essential process of all existence.” This quote reminds us that our lives change, even if we don't want them to, and that we need to accept those changes because they help us grow, no matter their challenges.
2. Failure is a part of life
In Star Trek: The Next Generation’s “Peak Performance,” (season 2, episode 21,) Data believes he’s malfunctioning because he made an error and worries that he may make another during a vital battle simulation. When he removes himself from the bridge, Captain Picard tells him, “It is possible to make no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness, that is life.” Failure is always difficult to deal with, whether it occurs during a personal, academic, or career goal, but this quote is an excellent reminder to not equate failure with weakness and that we can always try again.
3. Without freedom of choice, creativity dies
The original series episode “The Return of the Archons” (season 1, episode 21) focuses on the formation of a perfect society where those living on the planet do so under the mental control of Landru, a mysterious leader who is later revealed as an AI-generated image. During the debate, Kirk and Spock have with the AI, Captain Kirk says, “Without freedom of choice there is no creativity—without creativity, there is no life.” Despite all humanity has achieved with technology, this quote reminds us that freedom spawns creativity, and without it, the human spirit suffers.
4. Taking risks is an essential part of growth
In the Star Trek: Enterprise episode “First Flight” (season 2, episode 24,) Captain Jonathan Archer uses his experience and what he learned from a past and recently deceased mentor, A.G. Robinson, to choose a decision that involves risk. When T’Pol mentions this, Archer tells her, “You’re never going to get anywhere without taking risks.” Much like change, taking risks is an essential part of the human experience and sometimes, taking risks leads to great success.
The lessons that Star Trek offers its audience, no matter the framing, remind viewers that the human experience we collectively share is fraught with uncertainty. However, if we use our courage, creativity, and wisdom, we can temper those fears and keep striving to reach our goals.