“A little later, the Apollo mission was consummated and there were Americans on the moon. I remember distinctly looking up from the quad on what was quite a moon-flooded night, and thinking about it. They made it! The Stars and Stripes are finally flown on another orb! Also, English becomes the first and only language spoken on a neighboring rock! Who could forbear to cheer? Still, the experience was poisoned for me by having to watch Richard Nixon smirking as he babbled to the lunar-nauts by some closed-circuit link. Was even the silvery orb to be tainted by the base, earthbound reality of imperialism?”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Christopher Hitchens, he reflects on the Apollo mission and the landing of Americans on the moon. He describes the sense of awe and national pride he felt seeing the Stars and Stripes planted on another celestial body. However, his experience is tainted by the presence of Richard Nixon, whom he views as a symbol of imperialism and earthly corruption. Hitchens questions whether even the purity of the moon can be untouched by the flaws of human governance and power. This quote captures the complex emotions of wonder, pride, and skepticism that accompanied this historic moment in human achievement.
Modern Relevance of Christopher Hitchens' Reflection on the Apollo Mission
Christopher Hitchens, a renowned writer and critic, reflects on the historic Apollo mission in this passage. He marvels at the achievement of Americans landing on the moon but is dismayed by the presence of Richard Nixon, emblematic of imperialism, in the broadcast. This reflection raises questions about the intersection of scientific achievement and political power. Today, as space exploration continues to advance, the question of ethics in space exploration and the role of politics in scientific endeavors remains as relevant as ever.
Example of Usage:
In this passage, Christopher Hitchens reflects on the historic moment of the Apollo mission landing Americans on the moon while also expressing his distaste for the political implications of the event. Hitchens juxtaposes the awe-inspiring achievement with his disappointment in the involvement of Richard Nixon in the broadcast.
"I remember distinctly looking up from the quad on what was quite a moon-flooded night, and thinking about it. They made it! The Stars and Stripes are finally flown on another orb! Also, English becomes the first and only language spoken on a neighboring rock! Who could forbear to cheer? Still, the experience was poisoned for me by having to watch Richard Nixon smirking as he babbled to the lunar-nauts by some closed-circuit link. Was even the silvery orb to be tainted by the base, earthbound reality of imperialism?"
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect on this quote from Christopher Hitchens, it raises important questions about the intersection of human achievement and political implications. It invites us to consider the complexity of celebrating grand accomplishments while also grappling with the negative implications of power and politics. Here are some reflection questions to consider:
- How do you think the political context of an event like the Apollo mission can affect the way we perceive and celebrate it?
- Do you believe that human achievements, such as landing on the moon, can ever truly be separate from the political forces that drive them?
- In what ways can we acknowledge and appreciate the incredible feats of human accomplishment while also remaining critical of the systems of power and control that may be at play?
- How do you personally navigate the complexities of celebrating achievements that may be tainted by political or moral implications?
- What role do you think critical thinking and reflection play in our ability to fully appreciate and understand significant historical moments like the Apollo mission?
Similar quotes
“There was no moon but the night sky was a riot of crisp and glittering autumn stars. There were streetlights too and lights on buildings and on bridges which looked like earthbound stars and they glimmered repeated as they were reflected with the city in the night water of the Thames. It’s fairyland thought Richard.”
“I would look up at the moon and see that it was not the smooth orb we had all believed, but a pitted and scarred world with no air.”
“For me, the most ironic token of [the first human moon landing] is the plaque signed by President Richard M. Nixon that Apollo 11 took to the moon. It reads: "We came in peace for all Mankind." As the United States was dropping 7 ½ megatons of conventional explosives on small nations in Southeast Asia, we congratulated ourselves on our humanity. We would harm no one on a lifeless rock.”
“Where, indeed, does the moon not look well? What is the scene, confined or expansive, which her orb does not hallow?”
“With Tom, there had never been a door to close, only the grass to lie on, never a bed; no walls, no ceiling to shut them in - or others out. Only the moon to see them, only the moon, some stars and whatever it was that had flown up out of the field when Ede had cried 'don't' in the final seconds of their embrace. Don't - meaning don't withdraw.”