394: "Earthrise"—What Can the Apollo 8 Mission to the Moon in 1968 Still Teach Us?

Update: If you listened to last week's podcast, you know that today's episode about the historic Apollo 8 mission to the moon in late December 1968 was one of my most popular of 2024. The lessons from that mission, which I discussed in episode 344, are just as important, if not more so, today in episode 394.

An artist's rendering of Apollo 8 as it photographs "Earthrise."

Summary In this episode, I reflect on the Apollo 8 mission to the moon in late December 1968 and the turbulent year that preceded it. The episode highlights enduring lessons on inequality, collective problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. It urges renewed respect for history and a commitment to addressing modern challenges with the same ingenuity that defined the space race. Three Takeaways

Historical Literacy: The mission symbolizes humanity's capacity for courage, teamwork, and ingenuity, offering hope and a sense of shared accomplishment amidst turmoil.

Historical Inequality: The unresolved issues of racial, gender, and economic inequities persist, echoing the divisions of 1968.

Environmental Responsibility: "Earthrise" underscores the planet's fragility, emphasizing the need for collective stewardship over self-interest.

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Rocket Men by Robert Kurson