We watched from our balcony view as Emmy Award Winner Bill Nye, the Science Guy, charismatically walked onto the stage; the nonstop cheering reminded us of the stomping at a Taylor Swift concert, so thunderous it registered on the Richter scale.
As the crescendo of clapping grew, Bill acted like the sound waves propelled him back into his seat. His welcoming personality made it feel like a living room chat; only he did all the talking. It makes sense that he had one of the most-watched educational TV shows in the U.S. and is still popular.
It was a two-person panel where Bill co-presented with investigative journalist and author Michael Shellenberger. The fun rivalry launched right away as Michael joked he thought the endless clapping was for him. At least, we thought he was joking. Michael, a bit of a rebel, wrote “San Francisco: Why Progressives Ruin Cities.”
Let’s think about it.
Bill and Michael shared opposing views but agreed on a need for us to do more critical thinking. They prompted us to think from different perspectives as Michael asked the audience, “How many of you got the Covid vaccine?” When nearly every hand went up, he asked them to keep their hands up if they answered yes to the question, “How many of you got Covid?” Nearly all hands stayed up.
Bill’s comeback, “How many of you died from Covid?” was admittedly based on a false assumption that Michael’s point was to support an anti-vaccine view. The two agreed and supported vaccines.
Next, Bill reluctantly leaped into the topic of UFOs (unidentified flying objects) as Michael referenced UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena), stating that the “government withheld information.” To illustrate another view, Bill shared how the government maintains security by compartmentalizing knowledge, sharing how even the military branches do not know all that other branches are doing.
Bill’s comment prompted us to think that when the military reports a UFO sighting, many view it as an expert testimony as they comment on how the object’s movement and materials do not exist on Earth. Bill’s point challenges us to think that the object may exist, but that expert may not have seen it yet.
Audience members took a survey on their phones to answer the question, “Can science save the world?” The yes vote was 86% at the beginning and 84% at the end. With the response defaulting to “yes,” critical minds may wonder if the results have an element of survey or acquiescence bias.
Interdependence is key.
We were thrilled to hear about Bill’s compassion related to interdependence. It’s great to know he understands science can give us answers, but people are key to bringing the solutions to fruition.
“We did not ask for this gig to be in charge of this whole planet, but we are. Humankind is in charge of it. It is up to people to decide…”
“We are much more alike than we are different. This business of altruism – what is moral? First of all, it comes from deep within us – look out for your family, your tribe. And then, as the world has gotten more connected, we realize that we are all in this together.” – Bill Nye.
The ultimate test is approaching.
Bill said an asteroid called the “God of chaos” is heading our way. He helped us visualize scientists uniting in an intricate plan to gently give the asteroid a little “nudge” away from Earth’s path.
As Bill presented this vision of world collaboration, it prompted us to think of an advisory warning posted a few months ago to warn travelers. It mentioned the dangers of traveling if you have a certain look. What if one of the scientists who could save the world has a different look and never gets the chance to make a difference?
If Einstein were alive, he would likely be chosen to be part of this Earth-saving mission. If a meeting was in another country, would he fear traveling as he did when he was alive, thinking his religion could be the end of him?
If one of the scientists discovers a finding that may be hard to believe but might just save the planet, will they keep the thoughts to themselves with concerns of being ridiculed or judged? Do we have what it takes to be kinder to save the human race and the nature and animal life that rely on us? As part of Road Trip Stories, we will continue to explore and bring back our findings on actionable tips and even mindsets to make a difference. You are invited! Join us at www.youtube.com/@GuidedResults
