Rocket Science | James Maddox

James is a nuclear and aerospace engineer, contracting with the Marshall Space Flight Centre, which is a NASA centre in Huntsville, Alabama. He's also a practical philosopher. One of his projects is the space launch system; he's currently working on a nuclear rocket project. He was attracted to this project for its universal scope. This requires some understand of how nature itself works. But when we explore the universe we find that it's a place of wonder, mystery and beauty. Each thing we find makes us want to explore more.

This is similar to the philosophic quest. With science and technology, the search is outward. With philosophy, meditation and wisdom traditions, we look inward. At the same time the questions are the same: What is all this? Where does it come from? How do I relate to it?

The space industry also inspires people and brings them together. It requires people to work together. Also it gives a sense of being part of something grand, majestic. The exploration feats accomplished are things that make people forget the boundaries they are used to. When the astronauts landed on the moon it created a sense of unity. People everywhere would say 'We did it'. It reminds us that humanity is one. When astronauts look back they have an appreciation of the beauty of our home; when you look at the earth, there are no boundaries between nations. The industry aspires towards unity and looks for truth in a scientific way.

The goals of philosophy are the same; looking for an understanding, one is inclined towards unity, a larger circle. But this search is done inwardly, looking within oneself. Both ways are good.

James is head of the School of Philosophy and Meditation in Alabama: https://www.alabamaphilosophy.com/cla...