Foreword
Just reading the title makes me feel like I'm going on an adventure...
While I've never considered myself to be a die-hard Star Trek fan, as a youth I certainly had my share of time watching Kirk and company do their thing on the television. To this day, audiences young and old find entertainment in this ongoing tale of exploration into the unknown. It was only a matter of time until someone put down in writing the insights gained from the Enterprise's various exploits. While some are quite bizarre, they contain many lessons which can be applied to common life if we look deeper than mere entertainment.
Glen has done exactly that, extracting metaphors for successful living that everyone can relate to. From the objectivity and logic of Spock to the leadership, adaptability and intuition of Kirk, Glen points out lessons which are easy to apply. Entrepreneurs will find Glen's lighthearted approach especially pleasing, as he offers none of the unnecessary complications that other authors rely on to assert their own self-importance. You can save your copious note-taking for other books. Glen merely offers uplifting reminders of timeless principles as enacted by some of the most successful entertainers in modern history.
These are principles which are easily overlooked, as we are often so engrossed in our own drama that we neglect the art of observation. Eliminating doubt, maintaining your purpose in the face of adversity, recovering from misused and misdirected emotion, exercising your power of choice – these are beneficial conditions regardless of whatever worldly pursuit you're after (or whatever planet you're pursuing it on).
By finding small lessons embedded in fascinating stories we gain tools to overcome the trials we all face. Whether you're a Star Trek fan or not, I'm sure you can recognize times when you thought it would be wonderful to adopt the traits of some character on screen or on stage. From time to time I've entertained the idea of being completely impassive, logical and objective, like a Vulcan... and if I could choose such a thing, would I?
Regardless of who your "hero" is or what character you relate to (in Star Trek or otherwise), we all take cues from our environment which shape our perception and behavior. I can think of worse influences than that of the world Gene Roddenberry dreamt up. This is especially true in modern times, when much of pop-culture seems bereft of principles while pursuing self-interest at all costs ... actually, not unlike The Borg. "Resistance is futile - you will be assimilated." But I digress ...The virtues of being goal-oriented, taking risks, being consistent, learning from one's mistakes and developing persistence are as valuable today as they ever were. Perhaps Star Trek itself has persisted for generations because so many people have found meaning and guidance in the stories it contains.
As you read Glen's observations, see how you can apply them into your dealings with other Earthlings today, and on a consistent basis. The worst-case scenario is that you decide to binge-watch episodes of 1960's sci-fi. The best-case scenario is that you live long and prosper, while demonstrating to others how they can do the same whether they have pointy ears or not.
May the Force be with you.
Oh, uh, am I allowed to say that?
Whatever,
John Lavenia