You know what's kind of exciting, though? I think about Emily Dickinson in the 19th century, isolated in her little house, observing her world... She never got to see these satellite pictures. Or pictures of the galaxy, for that matter.
True. Emily was more of an inner journeyer though. Maybe she didnt really care about such things. Kinda sad really.
Now the question is .. will this expanded awareness make us better global citizens? (But that's more in the realm of "We're Stuffed", probably.)
I think its making people more aware than before. Look how many more folks than say a decade ago, are now seeing say, global warming as a 'real' threat, and the ozone layer, greenhouse gases, paying attn to earthquakes and other things. There is definitely much more attn to treating the planet better.
I suppose it falls into two categories on this, those who care about future generations of humans, and those who dont. And those who care about future generations lack self-importance (or at least most), and are willing to make some changes in their lifestyle, so human race can go on. Those who only care about themselves, and are not willing to give up a few things for future generations. Thats what it comes down to, bottom line. Least I think so.