You can't earn your way to the moon

[Vort]

Mr. Armstrong,

So you want to go to the moon, do you? Well, you can't earn your way there. Seriously. No matter how hard you work, no matter how hard you try, no matter how smart you are, no matter how much you practice jumping, you will never, ever get to the moon under your own power.

But...

If you will devote yourself to our organization, we will send you to the moon.

Sincerely,
The National Aeronautic and Space Administration

(Possible responses)

1. Dear NASA,
   
   You are right, I want to go to the moon but I can't get there on my own. But I BELIEVE YOU!
   
   YESSSS!!! Now I'm on my way to the moon! I completely believe that you will do it for me! I'm devoted to your organization!
   
   I'll be watching Gilligan's Island in the donut shop when it's time.
   
   Already on my way to the moon,
   Neil Armstrong
   
   
2. Dear NASA,
   
   You are right, I want to go to the moon but I can't get there on my own. I am willing to devote myself to your organization. Please let me know what that entails.
   
   Thanks,
   Neil Armstrong

Which response indicates a more reasonable understanding of the offered gift? Which response is most likely to yield the desired result?

[hordak]

I guess answer 2.

However shouldn't the letter be from Hermann Oberth (father of space flight)? And Mr Armstrong should be getting numerous offers from many competing organizations who all take much of their knowledge from his teachings .

just saying

[Vort]

Shameless bump!

[puf_the_majic_dragon]

Originally Posted by hordak

I guess answer 2.

However shouldn't the letter be from Hermann Oberth (father of space flight)? And Mr Armstrong should be getting numerous offers from many competing organizations who all take much of their knowledge from his teachings .

just saying

Sure, and then Oberth has to come along and appoint an official organization to represent him and his vision, since every other organization has drifted somewhat from that original incarnation. Then again, I had always been taught that Goddard was the father of modern spaceflight. But I suppose that depends on who's teaching?

So Vort... when did you change your pic? I saw that one next to your name and went nuts for a second thinking "I was sure Vort was a dude...."

[hordak]

Originally Posted by puf_the_majic_dragon

Sure, and then Oberth has to come along and appoint an official organization to represent him and his vision, since every other organization has drifted somewhat from that original incarnation. Then again, I had always been taught that Goddard was the father of modern spaceflight. But I suppose that depends on who's teaching?

And the people can't agree on who the father of space flight really is. Now this analogys is getting more accurate.

[puf_the_majic_dragon]

Originally Posted by hordak

And the people can't agree on who the father of space flight really is. Now this analogys is getting more accurate.

I love it!

[Vort]

You Just Can't!!!!

[lattelady]

Dear Mr. Armstrong:
So you would like to go to the moon, would you? Well, you can't earn your way there. The trip there is far too expensive--you'd never make enough in your LIFETIME to afford it. Seriously, no matter how hard you work, no matter how hard you try, no matter how smart you are, no matter how hard you practice jumping, you'll never get close enough to the moon under your own power.
But...
We've already paid your way. If you can set aside your desire to pilot the shuttle yourself, which will mean forfeiting your own will and taking the route you might have wanted to take--trusting that we know the best way--WE WILL TAKE YOU to the moon.
Regards,
The National Aeronautic and Space Administration
Possible responses:
1) Dear NASA:
I hear what you're saying, but I really don't want anyone's help. I think I actually CAN train myself
to jump high enough. I've been working on my leg muscles EVERY single day, and my vertical leap
is growing by the week. I've been taking courses on getting to the moon, reading books on getting
to the moon, attending lectures on the subject; I'm also doing fundraisers so that I can get enough
money to fund the trip. Thankyou for your concern, but I think I'm well on my way.
Sincerely,
Neil Armstrong

2)Dear NASA:
I can hardly believe my eyes! Why would you pay my way? I don't deserve it...I've always wanted
to go to the moon, it's true, but I do not deserve this gracious favor! For years I've tried and tried to
do everything I could to get to the moon on my own, but I can see now that it's no use. I'm no
closer now than I was before, and without you I don't think I'd ever have hope of getting there. This
seems too good to be true! But I'm going to take you up on the offer! I feel like my "thankyou" is
not nearly enough. Until I get the call saying it's time to go, I'll get busy--I'll work hard representing NASA so that people know the kind of
administration you are. You're respectable, honorable and exceedingly kind! Man, I love NASA and what they do! When I get back from the
moon, I promise to devote my time to NASA as a volunteer--I'll do whatever you ask me to do, and I'll do it free of charge. You deserve that--
you're giving me the gift of a lifetime!
All my love,
Neil

[Snow]

Originally Posted by Vort

Mr. Armstrong,

So you want to go to the moon, do you? Well, you can't earn your way there. Seriously. No matter how hard you work, no matter how hard you try, no matter how smart you are, no matter how much you practice jumping, you will never, ever get to the moon under your own power.

But...

If you will devote yourself to our organization, we will send you to the moon.

Sincerely,
The National Aeronautic and Space Administration

(Possible responses)

1. Dear NASA,
   
   You are right, I want to go to the moon but I can't get there on my own. But I BELIEVE YOU!
   
   YESSSS!!! Now I'm on my way to the moon! I completely believe that you will do it for me! I'm devoted to your organization!
   
   I'll be watching Gilligan's Island in the donut shop when it's time.
   
   Already on my way to the moon,
   Neil Armstrong
   
   
2. Dear NASA,
   
   You are right, I want to go to the moon but I can't get there on my own. I am willing to devote myself to your organization. Please let me know what that entails.
   
   Thanks,
   Neil Armstrong

Which response indicates a more reasonable understanding of the offered gift? Which response is most likely to yield the desired result?

What's the use of happiness? It can't buy you money. Henny Youngman

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by Vort

Mr. Armstrong,

So you want to go to the moon, do you? Well, you can't earn your way there. Seriously. No matter how hard you work, no matter how hard you try, no matter how smart you are, no matter how much you practice jumping, you will never, ever get to the moon under your own power.

But...

If you will devote yourself to our organization, we will send you to the moon.

Sincerely,
The National Aeronautic and Space Administration


(Possible responses)

1. Dear NASA,
   
   You are right, I want to go to the moon but I can't get there on my own. But I BELIEVE YOU!
   
   YESSSS!!! Now I'm on my way to the moon! I completely believe that you will do it for me! I'm devoted to your organization!
   
   I'll be watching Gilligan's Island in the donut shop when it's time.
   
   Already on my way to the moon,
   Neil Armstrong
   
   
2. Dear NASA,
   
   You are right, I want to go to the moon but I can't get there on my own. I am willing to devote myself to your organization. Please let me know what that entails.
   
   Thanks,
   Neil Armstrong

Which response indicates a more reasonable understanding of the offered gift? Which response is most likely to yield the desired result?

Is this a trick question?

Elphaba