Live Long And Prosper

As a lifelong Star Trek fan, I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the original series and in subsequent roles across the Star Trek universe. He was, however, so much more than the logical, pointy-eared, half Vulcan Starfleet officer he portrayed, the world lost a wonderful human being. To quote Captain Kirk in the film, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, "Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most human." 

Mr. Nimoy was an actor, director, writer, poet and photographer. He was also a humanitarian, an advocate for science and a strong believer in the importance of art in our culture. Each project, each endeavor he was a part of, was met with an unrelenting enthusiasm and passion. This was truly a man who made an impact; who certainly lived a long and prosperous life.

From a Star Trek perspective, Leonard Nimoy was an integral part of the franchise's multi-generational success. He personally brought to life so much of what makes the character of Mr. Spock memorable. The iconic Vulcan salute, for example, was Mr. Nimoy's own idea, adapted from a Hebrew gesture. He also helped the show's writers create the classic Vulcan nerve pinch that Spock used to non-lethally subdue his foes.

For me, Spock was such an intriguing part of the series. The starship Enterprise's science officer was extremely analytical and reserved but still embodied the spirit of scientific curiosity. Another fascinating aspect of this character was his unique heritage, he was born to a human mother and an alien father—a child of two worlds. The Vulcan civilization had long since decided to suppress their emotions and humanity is very much emotionally motivated, which created conflict within Spock as an individual.

I realize that not everyone is a Star Trek fan like myself, but it was an important television series nonetheless. Despite having it's pilot episode "the Cage" initially rejected by NBC and only being on the air for three seasons, Star Trek was truly groundbreaking. When the show premiered in 1967, our country was in a state of turmoil; from boiling racial tensions, to the war raging in Vietnam and the ominous threat of nuclear annihilation. The show featured a diverse crew on a state-of-the-art starship in a bright future, it showed a grand and united 23rd century where humans and aliens explore the stars together for the betterment of science.

Over the years Star Trek has spawned multiple TV series, several films and millions of devoted fans spanning decades. I myself, am a third generation "Trekkie"; my mom and grandpa fondly recall watching the original series in syndication at their dinner table, to my grandma's chagrin. Star Trek, in all of it's iterations, personally represents hope to me. The franchise shows that no matter the odds, any obstacle can be overcome through science, technology and determination.

As we say goodbye to Leonard Nimoy, we should remember the final words he publicly shared via Twitter, "A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory." Rest in peace Mr. Nimoy, as you Face that final frontier. To all of you I give a warm Vulcan salute and say, live long and prosper.