Neil Armstrong – A Discreet Hero

Wednesday 29th August 2012

One of the most famous men of the 20^th century, the American astronaut Neil Armstrong, passed into history with his death on Saturday, August 25, at the age of 82 years.

As commander of NASA’s Apollo 11 lunar landing mission, Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the Moon. His words, transmitted from the Sea of Tranquillity on July 20, 1969 must be among the most memorable quotes of all time.

“That is one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind,” he said, reflecting the message on one of the lander vehicle’s legs that concluded: “We came in peace for all mankind”.

Amid the excitement, rivalry and deep political undercurrents of the American / Soviet space race, Armstrong and his colleagues Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins became instant heroes on a world scale.

Now, in death, Neil Armstrong has received eulogies from President Barak Obama, NASA administrator Charles Bolden, and numerous friends and colleagues, with much emphasis on his modest demeanour.

Undoubtedly, Armstrong inspired generations around the world, but he never allowed the fame to go to his head.  He remained discreet and reserved as he went on to succeed in business and academia in his native Ohio, and as a community leader in Cincinnati.

Unlike so many people today, the astronaut had no interest in becoming a celebrity.  He shunned publicity and – from all accounts – led a good, fulfilling life, remaining an advocate of aviation and exploration and never losing his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.

A man like Neil Armstrong makes you ask what fame is all about. What is the point, where does it lead and what sort of ‘immortality’ does it provide? Pondering a good life – like that of Neil Armstrong – could be the prompt that makes us consider how we are living and how life after death might work out.

Maybe it’s time to revisit our priorities and focus on the things that matter?