Discovery - Part 3

I discussed the concept of discovery in my first and second blog postings on the subject. I continue the concept in this posting further discussing discovery and the seafaring world.

As with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, we often associate discovery with discovering new territory, or, new worlds. A ship. An exploration. A discovery.

Hawaiian Chieftain under sail, Westport, Washington

The Hawaiian Chieftain and the Lady Washington sail out of Grays Harbor’s Historical Seaport Authority, Westport, Washington providing living history experiences on tall ships.

The concept of discovery brings about the dissolution of old paradigms and the crowning of new ones. A two dimensional world becomes three dimensional with curved horizons. Discovery brings about promises of renewal in the new world.

Some explorers claim discovery, while others shipwreck on the shores of hope and dreams.

Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens, Warrenton, Oregon

Image on Alamy

Perhaps some think that discovery is only the end point, however discovery is a process, encompassing the start, the finish, and the path in between. Indeed, the process of discovery also reflects the efforts of all that quest as one effort builds on the next. It is a continuing process of shared progress.

Next blog posting I’ll venture into discovery and cognitive processes.

Discovery

Gateway Arch, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, St. Louis, Missouri

Image at Alamy

The Gateway Arch, designed by Archictect Eero Saarinen is a catenary arch built on the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. It is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in westward expansion and to Dred Scott’s role in obtaining freedom in the Old Courthouse.

Commissioned by President Jefferson as the Corps of Discovery, the Lewis and Clark Expedition was led by Merriweather Lewis and William Clark. The intent was to find a serviceable route to the Pacific Coast for commerce and for territorial advantage as well.

The arch is a symbol of discovery, of exploration. It symbolizes not just the discoveries of our ancestors but also serves as a conceptual beacon to guide and inspire us as we pursue discoveries that may help ourselves and civilization to advance.

I’ll discuss concepts of discovery further in my next blog posting.

Exploration - New Year's Eve Posting

Riser-Larsen Ice Shelf, Antarctica

The concept of exploration is a compelling one. As children we explore our neighborhood to find new treasures. As adults we explore new destinations and experiences. Venturing into the unknown gives us a sense of both eager anticipation and risk as we explore harsh environments such as Antarctica. The act of surmounting those risks fulfills us and we return home to tell our story, ready to take on new challenges.

As we enter into the New Year 2010 we can reflect upon the exploration of Space, the contributions of those working in Space programs, and the astronauts who work there.

NASA’s website discusses exploration initiatives, and includes discussion on history, motivation for space travel and other areas.

The Museum of Flight in Seattle has an excellent display of Space-related exhibits that educate and inspire.

Humanity has an opportunity to reach for the stars, to make dreams and imagination come alive.

The stars have long been a source of dreams and visions, expressed in both non-fiction and fiction form. The Arthur C. Clarke novel “2010: Odyssey Two” which was also made into a movie, expresses a shared human sentiment for space exploration and the conquering of the unknown.