Categories: Editor's Desk

Samir Shukla

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The simple concept of logic, or more precisely logical thinking, is deficient in so many humans. Most people employ this versatile and infinitely useful tool in small doses. The entire species suffers for it. Taking a step back from an explosive and emotionally charged situation would mean a world of difference to the outcome of that event.

Imagine a world where logic rules most of time, while a small percentage of actions are executed via emotional responses. A world where the human behavior during emotional outbursts and emotional responses to stimuli are tempered and logical resolutions are encouraged.

An argument could be made that it would be a duller world, but it would be an evolved stage for humans. There would be drastically less violence in such a world where reasoned responses and actions catalyze positive benefits. The world of science revolves around logic. The act of science is to theorize, discover, experiment, prove or disprove via logic. Science fiction is an extension of the possibilities of science. Faith in a god or dogma, for instance, is an emotional response. It’s no wonder religion becomes the excuse for myriad dilemmas and conflicts. It is illogical, yet people cling to it. It is their security blanket, a pacifier, if you will.

The elusive probabilities and possibilities of pure logic are what the characterization of the species known as the Vulcans represented on the classic science fiction TV show Star Trek. Mr. Spock, the half human half Vulcan, imbued the philosophical juxtaposition of mixing the volatility of emotional humans with the pure logic of the Vulcans.

Of course, as a species humans will never be able to dislodge unreasonable emotions from the alleyways and navigations of our daily existence. We are and will forever be emotional creatures, ranting, raving, loving, hating. Evolution has made sure of that.

That is not to say other species on Earth do not show emotions, but it is only the humans that unravel into madness during emotional ruptures from reality.

The idea of a species traveling through their lives only guided by logic is damn intriguing. No one else could have brought the gravitas of the philosophical possibilities of such a character in the realm of science fiction as did the actor Leonard Nimoy, who portrayed the character of Spock from the birth and onset of Star Trek. He somehow made the alien seem human and the human seem alien. Nimoy instilled realness in Spock and became the epitome of calm and reflection, positing logic above all.

I happened upon Star Trek as a youngster, recently migrated from India to the United States and living in New York and New Jersey in the mid to late 70’s. In the linguistic parameters of the United States legal system I, too, was an alien. A legal alien. In a sense, the alien worlds and stories of science fiction spoke to me. People traveling to other planets or places to explore or set up roots.

Star Trek and Spock spoke to me the loudest. There were only 3-4 channels available on TV back then. The afternoon and Saturday morning reruns were the favorite. There was the “Twilight Zone,” the kooky but fun “Lost in Space,” tons of cartoons, and of course, the best of the whole lot, Star Trek.

The show, which brimmed with diversity during an era that did not embrace it, was a trip to watch. The entire cast was eclectic and unique, and Nimoy’s Spock was the most eccentric, but also oddly the most down to Earth among its denizens. It’s from Spock that I absorbed and evolved my logical leanings. I did not realize that in my youth while watching the show with fascination.

Over the years of watching it repeatedly, especially the original series and the films starring the original cast, Star Trek has made me a more logical human. I’ve annoyed many, including myself, trying to temper my emotions into logical solutions. It’s damned hard to do.

In our over-emotional, self-pitying, narrow minded, self-centered, superstitious and violent world, Spock’s logical exclamations can help soften the blows, calm the nerves. Logic is the ultimate meditation and medication. It is the nourishment of science and the hope of human advancement. It trumps all religions and their mythologies. Spock’s precise, concise, and direct logical responses and solutions sparred with Capt. Kirk’s constant bending of rules and regulations. Spock’s logic and deadpan poker face annoyed the humans on the starship Enterprise where he served as first officer. When Spock spoke, his logic always made sense. That unhinged those who worked with him.

Humans are constantly striving to make sense of our lives and our seemingly illogical world. Leonard Nimoy’s depiction of Spock, bringing to life a world of logic, can give pause to our daily interactions with personal emotions, especially when those emotions are high, to take a step back and attempt to make sense of the situation, seek logical solution, and abate conflict.

Leonard Nimoy, and along with him the original Spock, died on February 27, 2015. Spock and his logic live on in newer versions of Star Trek. Nimoy’s fascinating characterization will be, indeed, greatly missed.