SKU: 19354235807

Specter of the Monolith: Nihilism, the Sublime, and Human Destiny in Space-From Apollo and Hubble to 2001, Star Trek, and Interstellar

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Specter of the Monolith: Nihilism, the Sublime, and Human Destiny in Space-From Apollo and Hubble to 2001, Star Trek, and InterstellarScience geeks and space film fans, take a journey through the questions from your favorite movies that may continue to haunt or puzzle you. Specter of the Monolith offers a radically original critique of how humans have confronted the majesty of the vast universe via art, media, science, pop culture, space exploration, and the greatest space films. Original and thought provoking, the book explores questions such as: Why don't we have that sleek space

Science geeks and space film fans, take a journey through the questions from your favorite movies that may continue to haunt or puzzle you. Specter of the Monolith offers a radically original critique of how humans have confronted the majesty of the vast universe--via art, media, science, pop culture, space exploration, and the greatest space films. Original and thought-provoking, the book explores questions such as:

  • Why don't we have that sleek space hotel from 2001?
  • What's the meaning of the monolith in 2001 and the tesseract in Interstellar?
  • Why did we pull the plug on the Apollo program, precisely as NASA provided humanity its first and only chance to unite in celebration of human achievement?
  • How do we find human meaning in the vast universe? Or are we meaningless cosmic specks, as suggested by the Hubble Deep Field images?
  • Why is Michael Jackson the most popular moonwalker on Earth?
  • What do Ziggy Stardust and The Six Million Dollar Man tell us about 45 years of "post-Apollo culture"?
  • What are the new Star Trek and Star Wars films really saying about our future in space? What about Gravity, The Martian, and Planet of the Apes?
  • Should Mars be strip-mined or terraformed, as envisioned by Elon Musk? Or protected as a Celestial Wilderness Area?

In 200 pages, this book covers vast territory. It comes down to this: You can look at Hubble's awe-inspiring cosmic images and feel a sense of nihilism and meaninglessness. Or they can point toward an entirely new space philosophy based in the sublime, ecology, and humanity's true place in the universe of the 21st century.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of 2001, Specter of the Monolith offers a hopeful and inspiring alternative vision of human destiny in space.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Center for Media and Destiny
Published: 07/11/2017
ISBN: 9780979840470
Pages: 222
Weight: 0.67lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.47d
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SKU: 19354235807

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Shawn SnoMan Thompson
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
For work or casual wear, this polo is a great choice.
Material Type: Recycled Polyester, Color: Port Stripe, Size: X-Large
I really like this polo. I've been wearing it once a week or every other week since November. Its very comfortable and breathable. This polo feels like it should last a while. The fit is good. I typcally wear XL and this XL fits great. I've pruchased it in both burgundy and black so far. I definitely recommend this shirt. For work or casual wear, this will look good.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2026
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Tech Dad
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Great value: These are my go-to work from home shirt
Material Type: Recycled Polyester, Color: Blue, Size: X-Large
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by these shirts and wear them weekly for Zoom calls, since I’m still working from home these days. I figured at the price point it was worth trying them out, and now I’ve bought several in different colors. They aren’t super soft, but they are comfy and look nice. I’m 6’1” ~220 pounds, and the XL slim fit still has plenty of room. I imagine the regular cut is incredibly boxy and oversized. The difference between polyester vs recycled polyester is inconsequential. I typically buy expensive golf shirts, and these definitely aren’t as nice. They are a fraction of the cost though and a great “beater” work shirt / hang out shirt. It’s nice wearing something that looks and feels decent, but if something happens to it, you can toss and it and pick up another for the cost of a chipotle burrito.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2022
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Espresso
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 3
Great price, not great quality
Material Type: Recycled Polyester, Color: Black, Size: Small
Simple, straight forward all black polo. I am a size medium woman (with some room since I don't like form-fitting) and bought a men's small. Fits perfectly for my frame. Long enough to tuck in for my part-time extra weekend job uniform. Also suitable for the golf course. A little thin, and if you hold it up to light you can sort of see through it. *Not* flowy, soft and smooth fabric like a rash guard/sun shirt - more structured than that. But it's cool and does the job for the price under $10.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2024
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Ken Strech
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
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Material Type: Recycled Polyester, Color: Dark Navy, Size: X-Large
Great fit, right price
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2026
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Gwen
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice polo
Material Type: Recycled Polyester, Color: Dark Teal, Size: Medium
Fantastic polo shirt. Size was true to fit. Color is amazing. It’s soft and it has held up through washes since Christmas.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2026

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