Pure Mountain Tao

Forty years ago, the first man walked on the moon. For the scientists, astronauts and the U.S. government, this was quite a glory. A chance to unfurl the patriotic flags, let the ego swell, and the boasting begin. Yet, has there really been any effect to the common man? We are told we should be proud as humans, as Americans, but what good has it done the general public? Billions of dollars that could have went towards education and other human services programs have been spent on a space program that has yielded few returns to society. It has been an expensive playground for the space program and the government. A chance for them to quite expensively demonstrate their brilliance at something that really is not that important. The Tao teaches us that the tallest tree, the largest tree, the one that stands out, is the one that is more likely to be hit by lightning. It is better to remain humble and to avoid being the target of a direct hit. The Tao also teaches us to give away what we do not need and to try to help whenever possible. Would it not have been better to spend the time and money on helping people right here on our own planet?