It is a very overpowering realization that the Earth is so small. It affected me.

The first view of the Earth is magical. It is a very overpowering realization that the Earth is so small. It affected me. I could not get over the notion that in such a small planet, with such a small ribbon of life, so much goes on. It is as if the whole place is sacred.

The first view of the Earth is magical... in such a small planet, with such a small ribbon of life, so much goes on. It is as if the whole place is sacred. You get the feeling that I need to work extraordinarily hard along with other human beings to respect that.

I have felt that connection and stewardship for Earth for as long as I can remember. And not just for Earth, but the whole universe.

I've always been very determined. I don't get easily discouraged.

We gazed dreamily at the Milky Way and once in a while caught some shooting stars. Times like those gave me the opportunity to wonder and ask all those very basic questions. That sense of awe for the heavens started there.