Human’s fascination with outer space goes back millennia

Even before the technology to travel to outer space existed or even observe through telescopes and drones, humans have been fascinated by the stars. From modern-day space exploration like the James Webb space telescope. All the way back to ancient life with philosophers discussing the stars as far back as Aristotle. Outer space has often captured our collective attention and hearts.

A well-known expression is to call space “the final frontier”, which I find very compelling because no matter how hopeless modern life may feel, in space the possibilities are limitless. There is a myriad of reasons why escapism is necessary these modern days. Whether because of climate change, the current political climate, etc. There are many reasons we may need a reprieve from everyday life. And that’s where escapism comes in.

In times like these, escapism can be a fantastic way to cope.

And human beings love escapism. Just think of all the books, tv shows, movies and so many types of media we have created that serve to give us a break from everyday life. Also with the rebranding of art, culture, and creative endeavours into the singular “content”, all of which serve to give us a break from everyday life. Even if it’s just for an hour.

During the pandemic, more people turned to artists and fandoms than ever before as the outside world became increasingly overwhelming. Although, space is somewhat unique when compared to the different types of escapism that are popular. Most types of escapism work to help us disappear from our world and into a fictional one. But space lets us escape the infinite responsibility of modern life, all while remaining in the same universe.

Space functions very well as escapism. Escapism can be an adaptive response in an ever-stressful world. Space can serve to give us some much-needed perspective, and make our own problems (like sending emails) seem smaller when compared with the whole universe.

POV: you are overwhelmed by the qualms of modern life. Things you could do…

1. Look at stunning photos of the James Gunn Space Telescope (so pretty!)

2. Learn about space (like with this blog)

3. Learn About Space agriculture like growing food on mars or on the International Space Station

The list goes on, these are the topics that interest me the most but your own ideal outer space-related activities will be personal to you. But whichever option you choose, what a great way to spend your time. Space is very cool and the opportunities are limitless for what part it may play in your life. And I think escapism is one of the ways space can help us better engage in the present.

Head in the clouds is often considered a sign of being out of touch with reality. But sometimes having our heads in the clouds help’s us plant our feet in the ground. And I believe the human fascination with outer space functions for us and helps us cope. I think that the role that it plays as necessary escapism is an important one. If you feel the same way, feel free to stick around. We’ll be discussing many space and space-adjacent topics, such as this one. Until we live in a world that requires less escapism, I am proud to be a constant stargazer and I hope you can say the same. See you in the stars!

Milo O’Connor - Milo is a writing student who longs for the cold embrace of the void. When they aren’t talking about space, they can be found playing dnd, embracing the absurd, and screaming into the void about the weight of capitalism.

You can find a launch pad of other content Milo has created on linktree. Or hop over to medium to find more of their writing.