This is the second astronaut book I’ve read, after Samantha Cristoforetti’s Diary of an Apprentice Astronaut.
In academia, we put a lot of emphasis on balance. I felt that Hadfield’s writing serves to some degree as an explicit statement of the other side of that balance. He puts on paper the expectations others have of the kind of preparation he will do.
“Our staff are lifelong learners”.
Bruce Nuclear video.
He also emphasizes a sentiment that I’ve heard a lot. consider drudgery below you. Try to find some aspect of the drudgery that you can use to self-improvement.
I’m not sure how far or how seriously this sentiment should be taken. Surely some people find themselves in positions where they do.
He gives some examples of drudgery:
Astronauts have an unusual setup where the backup crew will act as personal assistants for the families of the other
I appreciated the details about how he was thoughtful about maintaining a good relationship with his wife, Helene Hadfield, despite a busy and isolating career.
“And that’s what I respect about him a lot. It makes it easier to do what I did because he isn’t selfish about it. He does recognize that sacrifices, big sacrifices, were made and tried after to not take it for granted.”
Next in this series will probably be Riding Rockets.