Beginning in 1978 as a BBC Radio show, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy” was first imagined as a Sci-fi adventure throughout the galaxy following Arthur Dent, one of the few humans who survived the destruction of Earth. Though I haven’t personally had the pleasure of listening to the original or reading the subsequent 1979 novel, I was introduced to the anthology through the 2005 film adaptation. The opening scene of the film sets up the coming apocalypse with a musical of Dolphin’s (the 2nd most intelligent species just ahead of humans) thanking us for all the fish after spending much time attempting to warn us of the impending destruction via what we perceived to be ‘cute tricks’.

The film goes on to explore a bureaucratic galaxy filled with a multitude of life that mimics the governments of Earth’s disregard for the layman. Earth is scheduled for destruction to make space for a hyperspace express route which Arthur avoids via the assistance of his friend Ford who, unknown to him, was an alien from a planet near Betelgeuse. The film does a good job reflecting on society with many of the key points still relevant to today’s political and social environment going as far as speculating the answer to life’s biggest question.

The concept of travelling the galaxy using the technology included in this film would require a level of technological growth that is hard to imagine happening but the societal implications of a galactic federation ties well into the issues we are facing today. The concern of inequalities between those who are in power and those who must live with the choices of those in power has been an issue that was also prominent at the time of this film’s release. We are currently facing some of the same issues of 2005 and though the film itself does not provide solutions to the issues of the time, it is a reflection of how we ended up in this similar situation; a disdain for bureaucracy.

Though it’s not a direct reflection of our reality, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy” is an enjoyable ride that explores many of the quirks of our society. If some of the lessons that Arthur and company learn through their travel were applied to society today we may have a better grasp on how to appreciate the advances we have made and, hopefully, strive to grow more peacefully. Instead it appears that we are headed towards another war by another president who believes that this is necessary despite the will of the people; another leader being manipulated to make decisions without a thought of the consequences.

As time goes on, the best those of us who are not in power can do is speak out against the injustice surrounding us like Arthur was doing at the start of the film. Though the bureaucracy is generally problematic, like our protagonist, we can accomplish our goals if we are persistent and vigilant to those who wish to take advantage of the system. We do not have to repeat the mistakes of our past if we work together to ensure the public is aware of the facts available.