Finding Optimism in Curiosity
Posted July 31, 2012
Whenever I want to find optimism in the face of overwhelming challenge I look to NASA. This organization lives on the edge – probably a risk manager’s worst nightmare. Most of what they do is absolutely crazy by traditional standards.
Take for example, the current mission to send an improved rover to Mars. The lab on wheels is aptly named, “Curiosity.” It seems that’s sufficient reason to spend $2.5 billion on this project. We are simply curious.
For some this amounts to a misappropriation of federal funding at a time of great financial pressure and uncertainty. For me it’s restorative. I feel renewed by the example of people attempting the near impossible because we are curious.
As a society we have been animated for generations by a vision greater than our ability to see. Our founders had a vision of a democracy never before attempted, but drawn from a set of ideas about humanity that simply made common sense. It was incredibly risky. In fact, the odds were against its success. Yet, an ideological curiosity gradually gave birth to a system of government that has echoed throughout the world.
We have witnessed curious inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs who rival the biblical story of Noah in audacity. The courage to act on a hunch or even a conviction, when so many remain skeptical about the possibility of success, is a rare gift. As a society, we need many more individuals who can nurture this gift not for selfish ambition, but for the benefit of all.
There have been organizational and governmental leaders curious about new approaches to meeting the needs and interests of society. They have been willing to experiment with new ideas, running the risk of failure, but willing to learn and try another approach. But the churning of endless election cycles, coupled with 24-hour pundit-driven analysis and commentary, and fueled by political action committees, are yielding lots of political speech, but no meaningful political action. It’s no longer safe to be curious or have the courage to try.
The largest deficit we face today is not a financial one. It’s a deficit of curiosity and courage, with an insufficient tolerance for a little bit of crazy.
Take some time over the next few days and weeks to follow “Curiosity” through its journey. The best reminder of why this nation is great will not be found on our soil. It will be found on Mars.
This piece was originally written for The Des Moines Register’s A Better Iowa, where President Mark Putnam served as a featured columnist.
About the Author
I'm the lucky individual who carries the title, 21st president of Central College in Pella, Iowa. Passionate about higher education and the issues facing it and the world today, I hope to invoke an engaging conversation with all who are ready to dig in, make a difference and build for the future. Share your thoughts. I'm listening and interested.