Star Trek is an extremly popular sci fi show, loved by many. As we all know.
There are those who do not enjoy it, and for the life of me I do not know why. It is a show in which one of the main focuses is morality.
It teaches morality without being preachy, but rather by just showing us what our universe would look like if humanity was governed by moral righteousness. As opposed to what it is like today.
In the Star Trek universe, Earth has got rid of world hunger, war and poverty. Humans have grown past the need for material wealth and possesions. The primary goal for everyone is to better themselves and learn more about everything.
The planet Earth itself has become an almost paradise, where peace reigns and everyone lives in comfort.
Here I have put together ten Star Trek inventions that I think help towards that world. The sooner these are created for real, the better.
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10. Warp Drive
The primary means of travelling the galaxy. Without it, the Enterprise and other starships would still be sluggishly moseying around in our own Solar System.
The invention of this, in Star Treks timeline, was what prompted the Vulcans to visit Earth and make First Contact. Which was then our first encounter with alien life, and the beginning of our exploration of other worlds, allowing us to grow our culture even further.
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9. Terraforming
This process allows us to build barren lifeless planets into something suitable for human life to build a colony and live on. Effectively starting a new culture.
It can also feasibly be used on our own planet to rebuild lifeless areas.
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8. Phaser
The Phaser, though primarily a weapon, is also a powerful tool.
It can be used to cut through rock, metal or blocked doors. It can be used for mining purposes. Or it can even be used to heat an object. Crews have been known to use their phasers to heat rocks which in turn heat up their encampments like a campfire would.
Even as a weapon, the phaser can be set to stun. A fine addition for those who come in peace and find themselves in a situation where they must defend themselves.
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7. Uniform
The Star Trek uniform is a marvelous thing.
It has a very straight forward system of immediately allowing people to understand what job or role the wearer has. The colours signify whether or not a crew member is commander class, science/medical or otherwise.
Pips and stripes indicate rank.
The uniform itself though is wonderful due to its versatility. It is practical for a number of purposes.
In the line of duty, it is flexible enough for the crew to leap into action, or comfortable enough to perform day to day duties.
In more formal matters, it simply looks smart and dignified.
When someone says smart/casual, the Star Trek uniform fits that category perfectly. Drop the casual and it still works.
Unfortunately, it does not have pockets, but it does seem to have an invisible utility belt that can attach phasers and tricorders.
If that isn’t versatile enough for you, there is plenty of room for modification!
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6. Holodeck
The Holodeck. The ultimate in entertainment. A gamers dream come true.
Anything you can imagine is possible in the holodeck. You can be or do whatever you want. It’s amazing that no one becomes addicted to them and spends their lives living out some fantasy world.
If I had a holodeck, I’d probably ironically spend a lot of the time in a recreation of the Star Wars Universe, expecially if it could somehow be programmed to give me Jedi powers..
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5. Android
I am sure that if these are ever invented, it will take some getting used to. But their incredible abilities coupled with their programmed loyalty and willingness to serve would only make human life so much easier.
Manual labour and difficult tasks would be passed on to emotionless machines that do not mind the long hours and hard work.
This would free humans up to follow more enjoyable pastimes or take up projects that they would much rather be involved in.
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4. Tricorder/ Medical Tricorder
The tricorder is an amazing piece of kit. Simply point it at something, let it scan it for a second or two, and it will tell you everything you could ever need to know about it.
It will read its molecular build up, its weight, whether it is alive or dead, and how far away it is among a huge number of other things.
The medical variation is specifically designed to diagnose patients without resorting to a scalpel or other intrusive means.
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3. Transporter
I have always thought that the world would be a happier place if everyone could wake up an hour later than they do.
With the invention of the transporter, at least your one to two hour daily commute would be non existent!
Be whereever you need to be in a few seconds. No need to skip your breakfast to make sure you catch that damn unreliable train any more!
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2. Replicator
Possibly the greatest invention to ever not be invented yet.
My choice would be that this become every inventors priority to make real.
Simply ask the machine for anything that you want, and it will rearrange atoms into the correct form for you. Essentially making something out of nothing.
This works for anything. The uniforms and tools are all replicated. Food and drink too is replicated. A seemingly endless supply of everything.
No wonder world hunger was solved.
With this, a lot of human jobs would become obsolete, but then so would the need for money, as everything anyone could ever need is readily available at the touch of a button or even a voice command.
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1. Academy Training
The wonderful thing about Starfleet training is the ingenuity involved.
The training and tests go much further than simply reading guidebooks and answering questions about them.
Starfleet strives to really test cadets understanding of what is required of them.
They will be put into simulated scenarios and their true resolve will be tested as though they are actually in a difficult position.
Starfleet trainers understand the difference between someone answering a question the way that they should and the way that they would.
They also make an effort to tailor tests to suit each individual candidate. Wesley Crusher was faced with a test echoing a decision Jean-Luc Picard had made about Crushers father. This was highly personal to him, and taught a greater lesson than any handbook could.
Starfleet rewards innovation, thoughtfulness and determination, rather than basing a grade on a written exam.
Helping others and trying their best is what is required. Self advancment at the cost of peers is opposed.
This way they ensure that only the best people make it into Starfleet, people with good hearts and minds. Not those driven by power and greed, like in the world of today.
Not so much an invention, but an innovation about the way we think and build our society. Possibly the most important thing we can have if we wish to progress towards a better future.
