When we gain a truly global perspective of how life on Earth works, the smaller struggles inherent to human existence often dim against the innumerable, interconnected patterns that keep this thing call life chugging along. The Overview Effect, detailed by astronauts and cosmonauts who have orbited the planet or seen an Earth rise from the lunar surface, is one way for a select few to shift their overall perspective about the engine of life and human interaction with one another and the natural world.
For those of us who won’t be able to manage a trip off-planet in our lifetimes, the Daily Overview brings satellite imagery (daily, as the name clearly states) to our computer and tablet screens. Breathtaking images from above can nudge the neural activity of those of us with our heads buried in the local minutia of the communities we live into a more united and integrated perspective. It’s a pretty amazing feat — and all you have to do is check out the website or spend some time on Daily Overview’s Facebook, Instagram or Tumblr pages.
While a talk or a series of photos pushing our “interconnectedness” might seem like a cheesy “Kumbaya” or “We Are The World” moment to some, the sentiment and connections are nonetheless true. Ethnic conflict and religious violence are erupting all over the place. When I see sectarian murder in the Levant and beyond, I think “Goddamn” (blasphemy very much intended) to myself. The world, and the greater cosmos (keep up the science education, Neil deGrasse Tyson) are so much more than your local god, particular ethnic group or religious and nationalistic gripes encompass. A bit of global perspective could do everyone — from a goat herder living in the mountains of Yemen to a Congressman in Tennessee — a great deal of good.
