For better or worse, Star Trek TNG and DS9 have played an important role in my development. I would like to think that is was a benefit. The major message of S

For better or worse, Star Trek TNG and DS9 have played an important role in my development. I would like to think that is was a benefit. The major message of Star Trek in general and DS9 in particular is that despite of - no! because of! - our petty differences, we can all live together harmoniously. That harmony may require to people to avoid contact, but that is a - relatively - rare exception. A minor message, but an important one, I think, is that violence and force are rarely, if ever, the best way to solve a problem. With a little bit - or a lot - of cleverness you can find a solution that will be satisfactory to all the parties involved. Even if you have all the right cards, simply relying on strength is not a good foundation for a long-term arrangement. Diplomacy and Compromise is. It is a lesson - Star Trek or not - that I think could help many young people these days, Star Trek or not.