If you've been on the internet at any point in the last five years, there's a good chance you've heard Neil deGrasse Tyson talk about the far-reaching scientific and technological benefits of space exploration. Now's your chance to hear him discuss its cultural implications.


Last week, Tyson delivered this keynote address at the 28th National Space Symposium. It's over an hour long if you include his 15-minute intro and the Q&A session towards the end, but it's definitely worth the watch — especially if you're already familiar with Tyson's tendency to link America's space-faring ambitions to its economic, scientific and technological ones.

Here, Tyson takes a slightly different angle in order to examine space exploration's spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and creative consequences, or, as he puts it, "space as culture." The result is a refreshing, relatable, and inspirational take on a topic well worth your time and consideration.


NdGT die-hards will enjoy the entire speech. Those interested in the cultural discussion should watch from around the 14-minute mark. [Open Culture via It's Okay to be Smart]