The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution, Second Edition

Frank White's "The Overview Effect" is one of those rare books that gives a reason for NASA's existence that goes far beyond spin-offs, national pride, or even an investment in our future. White explains how going into Space will change us, and make us better. The process starts with the Overview Effect that turns the entire Earth into our neighborhood. It continues from the Moon, when a single gloved thumb at arms length can cover everything we've ever known. This view is the Copernican Perspective, and it exposes our insignificance and vulnerability. Finally there is the Cosmic Insight, which occurs from the outer reaches of our Solar System, and inspires us to take our rightful place in the Universe. White explains all this much better than I can in this quick review. I am very puzzled by the negative reviews of this book. Maybe these people believe that "if you've seen one star you've seen them all". My guess is that there are some important differences in metaphysical assumptions about reality that cause people to either love or hate this book. I'm not exactly sure what that difference is, but I suspect it has to do with our preconceived notions about humanity's place in the universe, and in our capacity to wonder.

A must read for any aspiring space hero.Get inspired. Get in action. Edition 2 features interviews with Female space explorers as well.