When astronauts return from space, many of them report that their perspective of life on Earth has been transformed for the better. All our differences, borders and barriers seem less important when you’ve seen the planet from 250 miles (400 km) above the surface, they say.

For this reason, BBC Future journalist Richard Hollingham argues in the video above that we should send other people into orbit too: artists, musicians… and even politicians.

Hollingham was speaking at the World-Changing Ideas Summit in Sydney on 15 November.

Read more: The astronaut who wants to change how we see the world

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