What Makes Pole to Pole Different? | Pole to Pole With Will Smith | National Geographic

Key Concepts

• Pole to Pole: A documentary series chronicling Will Smith's journey from the South Pole to the North Pole.
• Dr. Allen Counter ("Black Indiana Jones"): Will Smith's mentor whose philosophy and unfulfilled dreams inspired the expedition.
• Venturing Boldly: The act of taking significant risks and exploring the unknown, linked to creating one's dream life.
• Self-Discovery: The process of learning about oneself through immersive experiences in diverse cultures and environments.
• Living with the Planet: A philosophy emphasizing humanity's interconnectedness with nature, rather than merely existing on it.
• Happiness as a Measure of Wealth: The idea that the true prosperity of a nation or individual is best gauged by their level of happiness.

Introduction to "Pole to Pole"

The "Pole to Pole" project stands apart from Will Smith's other endeavors due to its unique premise: Will Smith himself undertakes all the challenging and "dumb stuff," a departure from his usual practice of having a stuntman perform such actions. This hands-on approach was specifically permitted by Disney and National Geographic, making the journey an intensely personal and unforgettable experience for him.

Inspiration Behind the Journey

The genesis of the "Pole to Pole" series stemmed from a significant personal juncture in Will Smith's life. He describes reaching the pinnacle of his success only to witness it "fall apart," indicating a period of introspection and a desire for a grander journey. A profound influence was his late mentor, Dr. Allen Counter, whom Smith affectionately called "the Black Indiana Jones." Dr. Counter's core philosophy was that "the answers to everything important are out there at the edges of our world." He had consistently invited Smith to join him on expeditions, but these invitations went unfulfilled before Dr. Counter's passing a few years prior. The "Pole to Pole" expedition became Smith's way of honoring and fulfilling Dr. Counter's dreams and wishes, culminating in a poignant dedication at the South Pole: "This is for you, Dr. Counter."

Scope and Nature of the Expedition

The "Pole to Pole" journey was an expansive global undertaking, covering seven continents and ten countries, ultimately reaching both the South Pole and the North Pole. The expedition involved deep cultural immersion, as highlighted by Smith's interaction: "You need to experience our culture, we go? Yes, we go. Let’s go!" This immersive approach was not just about external exploration but served as a catalyst for internal growth.

Themes of Self-Discovery and Bold Exploration

A central theme of the series is self-discovery. Smith emphasizes that while the journey involves learning about nature and different countries, its true essence lies in "really learning about yourself." He describes a "blossoming explorer within me," indicating a profound personal transformation. The series showcases individuals "venturing boldly," a quality Smith directly links to the ability to "create the life of your dreams." This concept of bold venturing is presented as a crucial element for personal fulfillment and achieving one's aspirations.

Perspectives on Life, Happiness, and Nature

The journey also instilled new perspectives on life, happiness, and humanity's relationship with the planet. Smith reflects on the transient nature of life, likening it to "an ice cube that’s just gently melting," underscoring the critical importance of living and loving "right now" and being "wide awake" in every moment. The exploration of happiness is a key component, with Smith noting the beauty of measuring "the wealth of a nation by the happiness of the people." Furthermore, the series advocates for "living with the planet as opposed to living on the planet," asserting that "Humans are not separate from nature. We are nature," promoting a deeper, more integrated ecological consciousness.

Transformative Personal Impact

The experiences garnered during "Pole to Pole" profoundly impacted Will Smith. He states that prior to this journey, being on stage with music represented the "highest experience" in his life. However, the adventures and insights gained from "Pole to Pole" have "surpassed everything in my life," becoming "the greatest creative enjoyment that I’ve ever had." He concludes by affirming the world as "truly an extraordinary place" and the journey as an unforgettable one.

Conclusion

The "Pole to Pole" series is presented as more than just a travelogue; it's a deeply personal and transformative odyssey for Will Smith, inspired by his late mentor, Dr. Allen Counter. It underscores the power of bold exploration, not only to discover the world's wonders but also to foster profound self-discovery, redefine personal values, and cultivate a deeper connection with nature and the present moment. The journey from the South Pole to the North Pole ultimately became Smith's most creatively fulfilling and personally enriching experience to date, offering a powerful testament to the pursuit of dreams and the inherent beauty of our planet.