#478: Scott Kelly — Lessons Learned from 500+ Days in Space, Life-Changing Books, and The Art of Making Hard Choices

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Nov 5, 2020

Scott Kelly, a retired astronaut and military pilot, shares fascinating experiences from over 500 days in space. He discusses the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making during high-stakes missions. Kelly highlights his mother’s pioneering spirit as one of New Jersey's first female police officers, showcasing resilience and goal-setting. He recounts influential books that shaped his journey and emphasizes the necessity of scientific literacy for future Mars missions. Finally, he reflects on the significance of teamwork and effective communication in space.

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ANECDOTE

Mom's Police Academy Journey

Scott Kelly's mom, a secretary and waitress, became the first female police officer in their town.
She overcame challenges, including a physically demanding test, with hard work and a plan.

ANECDOTE

The Right Stuff Inspiration

Scott Kelly was a poor student until inspired by Tom Wolfe's 'The Right Stuff'.
This sparked a turning point, leading him to study harder and pursue an engineering degree.

ADVICE

Brute Force Learning

Overcoming academic challenges requires dedicated effort and a 'brute force' approach.
Focus intensely until you master the material, even if it's difficult.

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The Right Stuff

Tom Wolfe

Published in 1979, 'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe is a seminal work of nonfiction that delves into the lives of the pilots and astronauts involved in the U.S. postwar research with experimental rocket-powered aircraft and the early human spaceflight program, Project Mercury. Wolfe's book is based on extensive research, including interviews with test pilots, astronauts, and their families. It focuses on the bravery, machismo, and the unspoken code of 'the right stuff' that defined these individuals. The book contrasts the Mercury Seven astronauts with other test pilots like Chuck Yeager and Scott Crossfield, highlighting their courage, skills, and the risks they undertook. Wolfe's narrative is characterized by its vivid descriptions and use of literary techniques to evoke the era and the people involved in the early days of American space exploration.

The Old Man and the Sea

Ernest Hemingway

The novella tells the story of Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman who has gone 84 days without catching a fish. Determined to break his unlucky streak, Santiago ventures far into the Gulf Stream, where he hooks a giant marlin. Over the course of three days, he battles the marlin, showing respect and admiration for the fish. Despite eventually killing the marlin, Santiago's catch is devoured by sharks on his journey back to shore. The story highlights Santiago's endurance, his deep connection with nature, and the themes of struggle, dignity, and the indomitable human spirit.

The Tao of Seneca

Practical Letters from a Stoic Master

Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca)

This book is a compilation of Seneca's letters, known as the *Epistulae Morales* (Moral Epistles), which provide practical advice on Stoic principles. It covers topics such as the importance of living in accordance with nature, the dangers of external influences on happiness, the value of self-control, and the pursuit of virtue. Seneca's writings emphasize the need to focus on inner strength, endurance, and the cultivation of a sound mind, rather than seeking happiness through external goods like fame and riches[1][3][4].

Endurance

Shackleton's Incredible Voyage

Alfred Lansing

This book details the almost two-year struggle for survival of the 28-man crew of the Endurance, which was beset and eventually crushed by ice floes in the Weddell Sea during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917. The crew drifted on ice floes, salvaged lifeboats, and eventually reached Elephant Island. Shackleton then led a perilous journey to South Georgia Island to secure rescue, culminating in one of the most remarkable survival stories in history. Lansing's narrative is based on extensive research, including interviews with surviving crew members and access to their diaries and personal accounts[4][5][3].

The Good Earth

Pearl S Buck

The Good Earth is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Wang Lung, a poor Chinese farmer, and his wife O-Lan as they navigate the challenges of rural life, including famine and social change. Through their story, Pearl S. Buck explores themes of family, tradition, and the human condition. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and remains a celebrated work of literature.