An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

About the Author

Chris Hadfield is not just a retired astronaut; he is a storyteller, educator, and musician who has captured the imagination of millions with his unique perspective on life. Born in Sarnia, Ontario, in 1959, Hadfield’s fascination with space began when he watched Neil Armstrong's historic moon landing in 1969. This pivotal moment ignited a passion that would guide him through years of rigorous training, personal sacrifice, and ultimately, a storied career in space exploration.

Hadfield served with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for 21 years, during which he became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station (ISS). His time in space was marked by scientific achievements, but it was his ability to connect with people on Earth that truly set him apart. Through social media, educational outreach, and a memorable performance of David Bowie’s "Space Oddity" while aboard the ISS, Hadfield brought the wonders of space down to Earth in a way that was relatable and inspiring.

In 2013, following his retirement from the CSA, Hadfield published An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, a memoir that distills the wisdom he gained from his experiences into lessons applicable to everyone. Beyond his writing, Hadfield has continued to engage with the public as a visiting professor, a speaker, and a media personality. His work has touched on themes of leadership, resilience, and the importance of preparation—concepts that resonate across all walks of life.

Main Idea

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth is not just a memoir; it is a manual for living a better, more purposeful life. Chris Hadfield uses his experiences as an astronaut to explore universal themes of fear, ambition, success, and failure. The book’s central thesis is that the mindset and skills required to survive in space—such as meticulous preparation, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and the importance of teamwork—are equally valuable on Earth. Hadfield argues that by adopting the perspective of an astronaut, anyone can improve their life, whether they are navigating personal challenges, professional setbacks, or the everyday stresses of life.

The book is structured around Hadfield’s journey from a dream-struck nine-year-old to a seasoned astronaut and, eventually, the commander of the ISS. Along the way, he shares the lessons he learned, not just about space exploration, but about life itself. These lessons are illustrated with anecdotes from his career, as well as practical advice for applying them to daily life. The result is a book that is both inspirational and pragmatic, offering readers a new way of thinking about their own lives and challenges.

Table of Contents

• Hadfield’s Journey to Becoming an Astronaut
• Hadfield’s Career as an Astronaut
• Life Lessons Hadfield Learned as an Astronaut
• Lesson 1: When You’re a Novice, Aim to Have a Neutral Influence
• Lesson 2: Plan for the Worst Possible Outcomes
• Lesson 3: Proactively Show Others You Care About Them
• Lesson 4: Find Joy in Everyday Life
• Lesson 5: Find Fulfillment in Supporting Others’ Success

Hadfield’s Journey to Becoming an Astronaut

Hadfield’s path to becoming an astronaut was far from straightforward. Growing up in rural Canada, he faced significant challenges, not least of which was the fact that Canada had no space program at the time. Yet, from a young age, Hadfield was determined to pursue his dream of space exploration. His early life was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and skills that would one day qualify him for space travel.

At the age of nine, Hadfield was deeply inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing. This event planted the seed of his ambition, and he decided then and there that he would do whatever it took to become an astronaut. He immersed himself in studies related to aviation and engineering, understanding that these disciplines were closely linked to space exploration. By the time he graduated from high school, Hadfield had already earned his pilot’s license, setting the stage for his future career.

After high school, Hadfield attended military college, where he majored in mechanical engineering. This was a strategic choice, as mechanical engineering provided a strong foundation in the principles that govern both flight and space travel. After college, Hadfield joined the Canadian Armed Forces and began training as a fighter pilot. His time in the military was crucial in developing the skills that would later serve him as an astronaut, including the ability to remain calm under pressure and to make quick, accurate decisions in high-stakes situations.