Historical Reflections on Progress

Throughout history, we have witnessed transformative periods, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and the World Wars. These epochs serve as painful reminders of humanity's journey to rediscover its purpose on Earth. The Romans, once devoted to cultural ideals and republicanism, lost their way amid corruption and bureaucracy, leading to stagnation in art, science, and technology. The eventual sacking of Rome marked a necessary reset that took centuries to recover from.

During the Middle Ages, humanity regressed significantly, focusing on mere survival while neglecting progress. Yet, the spark of the Renaissance, fueled by ancient ideals, reignited the flames of innovation in philosophy, art, and science. The World Wars, while catastrophic, ultimately paved the way for a more stable geopolitical landscape, birthing the industrial revolution and the technological advancements that led to the recent Crew Demo 2 mission.

The Essence of Human Achievement

I contend that humanity shines brightest during periods of swift progress, when we set aside our narratives and embrace higher ideals. While technology can seem impersonal and often leads to destruction, it simultaneously offers us a pathway to truth and intellectual honesty, qualities that are increasingly rare in our everyday lives.

Progress has the power to reshape our world, allowing new generations to aspire for a brighter future. Though figures like Elon Musk may not be on the frontlines of social justice, the children who watched the Crew Demo 2 mission are envisioning a world filled with opportunities, unbound by the limitations of today. They have the potential to shape a future free from prejudice.

The Impermanence of Progress

Was the success of Crew Demo 2 a foregone conclusion? I argue not. The universe does not owe us any favors. Our existence is fleeting, and the laws of thermodynamics remind us that all structures will eventually succumb to entropy. Yet, on this day, humanity stood defiantly against that inevitability.

“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” — Dylan Thomas, 1951

The United States had largely retreated from human spaceflight since 2011, despite investing over $100 billion in the Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station. The dream of Mars seemed distant, with no inspiring goals on the horizon.

After the Space Shuttle's retirement, our space technology regressed, relying on outdated designs. The astronauts welcoming Bob and Doug were utilizing technology from decades past. The idea of stagnation in technological advancement is unthinkable in other fields, such as the internet or smartphones.

The Crew Dragon represents a bold defiance against entropy—a leap back to the future with its sleek design and innovative technology. It served as a reminder that while we often take progress for granted, nothing is guaranteed.

“People sometimes think technology just automatically gets better every year, but it actually doesn’t. It only gets better if smart people work like crazy to make it better.” — Elon Musk

The Pursuit of Meaning and Progress

History teaches us that we must remain diligent and innovative. While not everyone possesses the resources of Elon Musk, success is often a combination of hard work, chance, and timing. Both Tesla and SpaceX faced numerous challenges, including multiple failures, yet perseverance prevailed.

“No, I don’t ever give up. I’d have to be dead or completely incapacitated.” — Elon Musk

As entrepreneurs, the true lesson lies in resilience. The universe is often indifferent to our efforts. We must strive to create order amidst chaos to produce meaningful contributions.

The Unifying Potential of Purpose

Ultimately, the message I draw from this is one of hope. As NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine remarked to the crews of ISS and Crew Dragon, this moment exemplifies what humanity can achieve when united by a common purpose.

Humans are capable of remarkable feats—both noble and reprehensible. The International Space Station stands as a testament to our potential for unity. Once adversaries, the collaboration between Americans and Russians onboard this monumental project reflects the best of humanity.

While many may feel distant from such grand endeavors, we can all contribute within our own spheres of influence. Embracing the diversity of humanity offers us the strength to pursue our individual purposes—whether winning a local sports tournament, innovating a product, or launching a startup.

I do not intend to dictate what that purpose should be or the metrics of success. We may not solve the world's problems alone, but we can each take steps, however small, toward the collective progress of our species.

The first video, "Crew Demo-2 | Launch," captures the exhilarating launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, marking a pivotal moment in human space exploration.

The second video, "Crew Demo-2 | Approach and Docking," illustrates the critical approach and successful docking of the Crew Dragon with the ISS, showcasing human ingenuity and collaboration in action.

Aki Ranin, founder of two startups in Singapore, is dedicated to advancing health and fintech solutions.