One of the best ways of grasping a new concept is by seeing an example of it being used. Experiencing it first-hand gives the strongest impression, but that can not always be arranged, and sometimes even when it can, it shouldn't -- deliberately putting yourself or worse someone else in a position where their survival is not guaranteed is not something to be done lightly. However, we do have wonderful faculties for imagination, and putting them to use to improve our survival is a fine thing. And while many do dream up survival scenarios for themselves, it is useful to have examples that we can share and talk about in common. One of the best examples I have seen that demonstrates the process of Spiral Survival is the beginning of the television series Stargate: Universe.
For those who have already seen it, this will be an easy discussion. But we don't need most of the details to get the concept across for those who are completely unfamiliar. The important premise is that this group of mostly soldiers and scientists are sent to an unexplored destination, with no idea if or how they will ever come back. So they pack their Never Coming Home Bags (albeit very sophisticated ones) and take the leap of faith to find themselves on a derelict alien space ship. Three features of Spiral Survival are illustrated at the very beginning of the series. First, the fact that they even developed the means of travelling to that space ship is an example of the drive to expand the Survival Spiral in terms primarily of knowledge but also location and possibly socially to include new intelligent alien species. Second, the actual departure is determined by unforeseen circumstances; much of the time, movement on the Survival Spiral does happen unexpectedly and quickly. Third, in terms of survival, the proceed along the Spiral away from the most immediate and deadly threat, even though their long-term survival is not guaranteed in doing so. This is usual for threat driven moves on the Survival Spiral.
When they get to the spaceship, they take care of wounds, another less immediate threat, and discover that they have a limited supply of air. Being the next most immediate threat, giving them just hours to live, they choose to work on that to find a solution. They do not make up sophisticated plans for mapping out the ship or explore it methodically while that threat is still in place. While it is best not to act in haste, sometime Spiral Survival does require ignoring less immediate threats.
After solving their air problem, they start dealing with other problems: lack of power, potential collision with a star, lack of water, potential return to Earth, disease, murder, and aliens. Most of these are manifestations of unexpected threats changing their position on the Survival Spiral, and those get dealt with in terms of immediacy. A notable exception is the potential return to Earth which represents an opportunity to expand the Spiral, although it comes with its own risks.
Once the more immediate, physical threats are dealt with, they go on to higher concerns, which are not readily determined by the Survival Spiral. This too is a normal feature, that once people feel relatively comfortable and safe, they make many different choices based on their values. At this point, Spiral Survival is less useful as a guide, and, this example too has limited further usefulness.
Until next time, have a good journey on the Survival Spiral.
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