<i></i>Star Trek is a franchise that has continually provided me a richer and more impactful experience as I’ve matured and ripened as a person.<i></i><p>As I learn more about the science, I realize the writers cared enough to incorporate it from the start. As I learn more about history, I realize Star Trek has always told humanity's stories, and built a rich tapestry of our future to use as its past. As I learn more about geopolitics, race relations, sexualtiy, morality, economics, religion, etc. etc. etc., I realize Star Trek was already there, exploring the depths of the underlying philosophies, and presenting perspectives for its fans to apply to their own mental models of the world.<p>I can’t think of another series, show, or movie, that has so often presented the failure of main characters in complex and difficult situations, as opportunities for improvement and growth. The Kobayashi Maru could be held as the ultimate manifestation.<p>Star Trek never stops trying to make the world a better place through example. I hear a lot of complaints about Gene Roddenberry’s insistence on the franchise maintaining his optimistic imagining of humanity's future (especially around Star Trek, Discovery), but I can’t help but think that his persistence is instrumental in the lessons Star Trek has bestowed upon us for decades.<p>I'd love to hear what each of you think about my bold claim, and how Star Trek has impacted your life. I'd love to do some episodes on my podcast about specific aspects of Star Trek's impact on the world. Comment or PM me with any thoughts.<p>Live Long & Prosper,<p>T. Brian Jones<p>PS... I shared some of my love in a recent episode of a podcast I co-host, Zengineering Podcast. The episode is an exploration of what we love about Star Trek contrasted with what we love about Star Wars -- https://goo.gl/bjiHPW