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Though I felt sure the words of an esteemed astrophysicist heralded as one of the greatest scientists of our time would go right over my head, I was wrong. Neil deGrasse Tyson may harbor abstract notions about humanity and the world, but his subsequent expression and explanation are clear and inspiring. His latest book, Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization, is one of a kind in its shrewd observation of our existence and the many elements with which we concern ourselves. This work is a collection of insightful essays about human issues from Tyson’s scientific perspective. Consequently, he makes you see and understand our existence in a new light—one that just might make you appreciate life more.
As I mentioned, Tyson writes in a simple and straightforward manner, using plenty of examples so his multifaceted, abstract notions are easier to absorb and understand. He infuses his matter-of-fact writing style with scientific language as well as personality and humor; this also makes his writing more digestible for the average reader. This allows him to address nearly every relevant issue and topic of today through an objective scientific lens. He does hint at his own feelings regarding certain subjects, but by no means is he pushing a narrative or attempting to sway you in his direction. He wouldn’t be a scientist if he did.
In today’s social and political climate—well, I feel the need to stop myself here. It seems like people have been saying that for years. There have always been vast and complicated issues among humans, and we often seem incapable of resolving conflict among ourselves. Tyson acknowledges this intricate history of war, politics, religion, society, life, education, and more, and he focuses on the commonalities between people rather than their differences. His discussions about the overview effect are particularly revealing: This notion refers to astronauts whose entire worldviews changed when they viewed Earth from space for the first time. It made them consider the cosmic perspective. And Tyson asks you to put yourself in their shoes: If you were to view Earth and all its creatures, landscapes, oceans, and life from a cosmic perspective, would you, too, have a sudden revelation about what is truly important? Would you cease to separate yourself from your fellow man based on meaningless differences of race, gender, sexuality, origin, or creed? Tyson’s scientific knowledge and experience spurs him to view the world in this way, and he presents this poignant sentiment to his readers:
…A cosmic perspective is literally above it all. Nearly every thought, every opinion, and every outlook I formulate on world affairs has been touched, informed, and enlightened by knowledge of our place on Earth and of our place in the universe…. What then of our collective and persistent disagreements? All I can promise is that whatever opinions you currently hold, an infusion of science and rational thinking can render them deeper and more informed than ever before. This path can also expose any unfounded perspectives or unjustified emotions you may carry.
It is clear that Tyson cares about the very people reading his words, as he pleads with us to broaden our view of humanity. He addresses humans’ exponential way of thinking and the resulting egotistical worldview we often hold. He emphasizes the significance of scientific knowledge to imagine our future more accurately and understand our current reality more fully. His examinations about our relationships with earth and other people, mortality, the intersection of art and science, and countless other connected topics are enlightening, to say the least.
All this leaves me wondering what it means to be aligned with a political party at all. Do they do your thinking for you? Do they define your attitudes toward issues that confront the country? If so, then you are a pawn of those in power. But in a representative republic, those in power should be a pawn of you.
In a time when our political and cultural views feel more polarized than ever, Tyson provides a much-needed antidote to so much of what divides us, while making a passionate case for the twin chariots of enlightenment―a cosmic perspective and the rationality of science.
After thinking deeply about how science sees the world and about Earth as a planet, the human brain has the capacity to reset and recalibrates life’s priorities, shaping the actions we might take in response. No outlook on culture, society, or civilization remains untouched. With crystalline prose, Starry Messenger walks us through the scientific palette that sees and paints the world differently. From insights on resolving global conflict to reminders of how precious it is to be alive, Tyson reveals, with warmth and eloquence, an array of brilliant and beautiful truths that apply to us all, informed and enlightened by knowledge of our place in the universe.
You can read more of our thoughts on Starry Messenger on our blog post.
Ultimately, Tyson shatters the bases of stereotypes, social segregations, and other distancing effects human beings experience through his written perspectives. In doing so, he upholds his thesis: We should celebrate being alive and strive to make the world a better place simply because we have the privilege of living in it. In addition, Tyson stresses that the odds of your existence are so infinitesimally small, therein alluding to the purpose of Starry Messenger: We should make the most of life by accomplishing and contributing as much as possible.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is a distinguished American astrophysicist who was published several books, including Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. He is the recipient of twenty-one honorary doctorates and works as the Director of the New York City Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. He is the host and cofounder of the podcast StarTalk, in which he discusses science and pop culture with humor. Tyson has been awarded several awards, including the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. He was born in Manhattan and currently lives in New York City.
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