A ‘Sobering Realization’ from Space

Astronaut Ron Garan, who spent 178 days in space and orbited Earth 2,842 times, shared a powerful realization after witnessing our planet from space. Reflecting on his experiences, Garan revealed his belief that humanity is “living a lie.” His insight, he says, is more profound than any flat Earth theory.

Unlike the familiar concept of economies and borders, Garan saw Earth as an “iridescent biosphere teeming with life.” From space, it became clear to him that humanity’s systems treat Earth as a subsidiary of the global economy, revealing to him a fundamental lie in society’s values.

An Unforgettable Connection

In an interview with Forbes, Garan explained how the experience “blew him away” and left him with an overwhelming feeling of kinship with everyone on Earth. This profound connection inspired Garan to advocate for environmental stewardship and prioritize the planet’s health over economic goals.

A Mission for ChangeSince returning, Garan has championed causes for planetary well-being, founding the Manna Energy Foundation to provide clean water in developing nations and creating Fragile Oasis to promote positive global change. Garan’s journey underscores an essential message: the lessons learned in space may be crucial for Earth’s future.