Star Trek :- Kobayashi Maru

For Star Trek fans, I’m sure you’re familiar with the Kobayashi Maru scenario. In both the original Star Trek series and the movie that was released in 2010, Kirk faced a computer simulation developed by Spock while at Starfleet Academy. The simulation was created as a “no win” scenario to teach the cadets that there could be a time where there is no way to win. That nothing you could do would lead to victory.

However before we go there, for those who may not know, Kobayashi Maru in fictional terms is a Starfleet training exercise designed to test the character of cadets on the command track.  The goal of the simulation is to rescue the civilian vessel Kobayashi Maru by potentially endangering the cadets own ship and crews lives or leave the distressed ship to certain destruction. The difficulty to assist the Kobayashi Maru revolves around the issue of the disabled ship’s location in the neutral zone. Where entrance into would constitute an act of war with the Klingon’s (the nemeses of earth and its allies).

With this said, the premise of the exercise  is to present a situation in which there is no way to win the resulting battle; the simulation then ends with the cadet’s ship having been lost with all hands. The idea behind engagement is not to test the cadet’s ability to outfight the opponent but rather their reaction to a “no-win” situation.  Kind of sounds like life doesn’t it?

There are many lessons to be learned when facing the no-win scenario, but one that requires mentioning is to face the reality that we didn’t win… and move on. We shouldn’t continually beat our head into the wall, trying to win a battle that isn’t winnable. Move onto the next battle, knowing that circumstances will be different. That the experience we have can have a totally different outcome the next time.

In the case of James Kirk, his fame came as he reprogrammed the simulation computer system to allow him to beat the “game” which raised uproar in both the fictional as well as the real world.  As some people said he cheated, while others said he was an original thinker.  This is best explained in one of Kirks statement “I don’t believe in the no-win scenario.” This is a key statement, as in my mind there isn’t such a thing as “no-win” situations because the question becomes what is the “win”

  

There is always a way to overcome problems in our lives and we must never give up. It is imperative that we do not look at situations as un-winnable or impossible. Even when we fail, we gain invaluable experience. So don’t ever give up, be creative and think outside the box. Have no fear and trust ourself.

Note:-Kobayashi Maru Test (Chess) My King being check, at the same time my Queen, Bishop & Rook being held hostage by the same knight.