Still Pioneers

Known as a pirate to the Spanish, and knighted as an English hero, Sir Francis Drake was one of the premier explorers of the 16th century. His exploration and efforts, along with those of many others, marked the beginning of global trade and the foundation of the world as we know it. (See here and here for more details and thoughts on exploration). This major historical figure died of dysentery in Portobelo, Panama, over 5000 miles from the city where he was born. I wonder, in that moment, if he believed it was worth it.

Sir Francis Drake, 16th Century Explorer

390 years, to the day, after Drake died, US president Ronald Reagan spoke about seven newly deceased explorers of a different kind, those lost in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.

The Challenger Crew

Top Row: Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Gregory Jarvis, Christa McAuliffe
Bottom Row, Left to Right: Dick Scobee, Michael Smith, Ronald McNair

“We've grown used to wonders in this century,” Reagan said. “We've grown used to the idea of space, and perhaps we forget that we've only just begun. We're still pioneers. They, the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers. … I know it is hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen. It's all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It's all part of taking a chance and expanding man's horizons. The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.” (Watch here, read here.)

The future belongs to the brave.

A classmate recently told me about the research he has been doing into beetle life spans. A beetle’s life span decreases by an average of 10 - 20 days each time it gives birth. Do you think if the beetle knew that, it would make different reproductive choices? Is the sacrifice worth it?

Martin Luther, spark of the Protestant Reformation, spent almost a year hiding from those who wished to imprison or execute him for his thoughts. Was it worth it?

Marie Curie and her husband discovered radiation and mobilized medical x-rays, changing the way medicine was practiced. She died at the age of 66 from radiation exposure. Her work literally killed her. Was it worth it?

Left: Martin Luther King Jr on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
Right: Marie Curie in her research lab

Martin Luther King Jr stood up and spoke out for equal civil rights, regardless of race. His movement changed America. He was shot and killed for it. Was it worth it?

I believe that the answer to each of these questions is unequivocally yes. It was worth it.

These were big risks and big consequences. 

Each of these people changed the world and their own lives in irreversible ways. They were pioneers.

We are still pioneers.

There are new things to discover, new boundaries to push, new advances to make. You know what those things are in your field and in your life.

And there is still risk. We risk our social standing, our financial security, our health, our emotions, our time, and more.

Is it worth it?

Be brave; the future is waiting.