10 Ways Star Trek Changed People's Lives
Star Trek's vision of a hopeful future has helped build our own.
For a franchise that puts the theme of exploration and discovery at its heart, Star Trek has been a means for people to explore and discover the world around them. Unsurprisingly, Gene Roddenberry's utopian vision of humanity's future has made a lasting impact on its fans over the years.
A childhood interest in Star Trek has inspired many to pursue careers in science and technology, with many changing the world in the process. Star Trek fans have also moved into the creative industries, making their own fan films, learning all about set-design, CGI, and animation to pursue their creative vision.
This list collects the stories of the Star Trek fans who have had their lives changed by the series, either directly or indirectly. As the series inspired people to explore new technological advancements, it changed the lives of many people for the better.
For example, in the early stages of the COVID19 pandemic, the US government initiated a public-private partnership to quickly and efficiently produce vaccines and distribute them to the American people. This partnership between the Department of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and many more was dubbed "Operation Warp Speed".
10. Sent William Shatner into Space
Star Trek made a huge star of William Shatner and guaranteed him a source of income for years to come - there's a reason that convention rhymes with pension! It was a life-changing role for the actor, and he still appears in TV series and movies to this day. On top of this, Shatner made history last year by becoming the first nonagenarian to go into space.
There had been previous attempts to enlist Shatner for a commercial space flight, but the actor had turned down Richard Branson's offer back in 2011. Ten years later, and he had clearly changed his mind.
In what was a shrewd bit of publicity by billionaire Lex Luthor-alike Jeff Bezos, Shatner was offered a place on his Blue Origin capsule. Whilst the former Starship Captain didn't quite make it all the way into space, reaching an altitude of 60 miles above the Earth, it still had a profound effect. On returning to Terra Firma, Shatner spoke of the emotional experience of looking down upon the curvature of the Earth. Before he was abruptly upstaged by Bezos spraying champagne everywhere. Bet he wishes he'd gone with Branson now.