Did Roddenberry Get It Wrong?
Yep, I’m a trekkie. Not the kind with ears or a uniform, but the devoted fan who watches the different series and used to win an occasional trivia contest (admittedly long ago.) But something struck me today as I was eating my Jimmy John’s sub and watching Star Trek: Enterprise (see, I am a fan.)
We all know that Vulcans are characterized by highly-developed rational thought and suppressed emotions. Also, their culture is very traditional – one might even say conservative: prejudiced to the past, cautious to action, and fiercely protective of traditional ways. And we’re all good with that, right? Noble characteristics paired with heightened reason, logic and devotion to rationality. But does life really work that way? Not on this planet.
What happens to societies that are based upon rationality? [Author's note: I'm talking on a macro level, not judging individual behaviors.] During and after The Enlightenment, much was written about such societies descending into chaos, unbridled passion, and wickedness. Unchecked rationality would lead to the sin of Pride; man’s vanity would abandon Providential law and destroy order. This notion really picked up steam as the Jacobins revolted and started beheading people.
So, what should Vulcan society really look like? It strikes me that they would be kind of like teens: early adopters, experimenters and artists. Vulcans would be ready to reinvent themselves as conditions change, in accordance with their logic. Their architecture would be cutting-edge and they’d probably have an awesome fashion sense, as well. And while they might not be huge fun at a party, you’d always be at their house because it would be the coolest of all your friends. Just sayin’…
