If this profoundly positive experience could be made accessible to more people than just space-travelers, this might ultimately contribute to a healthier and more caring society, where more individuals deeply feel the interconnection of all living beings and responsibility for our collective future. Its key outcome-an enhanced feeling of interconnectedness-contributes to both one's well-being and the sense of responsibility for the Earth. This experience, termed the “Overview Effect,” has been reported by many space-travelers. The effect this experience has on an individual has been described as extraordinary and profound, consisting of a cognitive shift in worldview that leads to a deeper understanding of the fragility and vulnerability of our planet, and an increased feeling of connectedness.
Stepanova *, Denise Quesnel and Bernhard E.
