What life-altering things should every human ideally get to experience at least once in their lives?
Own and use a really good telescope and train it at the stars.
Out of all the suggestions I like this one best.
Or, if can't afford a telescope, spend a night under the stars, away from city lights, so can clearly see the milky way, planets, constellations... I did this for the first time in decades this last summer, slept under the stars with no tent on a dark beach, and it was awesome, I didn't want to sleep! It was during the meteor showers too, which added to the drama.
Travel. As much as possible. Experience how the rest of the world lives.
International Travel should top the list. I know so many adults in their 50s and 60s who've never been to the UK, for example, or Europe or China. I've been to all 3 and I have to say it opens your eyes and your heart in ways that you can't get from reading a book, watching a movie.
@Yogisan My son is a sophomore at UMass Amherst. He spent a month in the Dominican Republic working in a clinic. Talk about an eye opener! It was life changing for him. The other kids with him spent their days on the beach drinking and fucking. He spent his time in the clinic taking care of people.
@Yogisan no exceptions? Glad I missed the age for that idea. My narcoleptic ass would've been more than useless.
I did disaster relief with the Red Cross in NC after Hurricane Matthew. It was one of the most meaningful things I have ever done. Definitely life-altering
Witness, or help with, the birth of another living thing. Preferably a child. The best? Your child.
But helping to bring a life - any life - into the world is life altering.
SCUBA diving in a clear, warm ocean on an active reef; alternatively with either some playful interactive manatee, dolphins, or a manta ray.
(I am a NAUI Divemaster and used to co-own a dive store; I've been fortunate enough to have experienced all three)
Risking life and limb for a physical thrill...and coming through unscathed, of course!
Should? How about an infusion of incredible wealth? Can I wish that for everyone? I know. How we need to downplay that. If there is any life-altering thing everyone SHOULD experience, other than falling in love with someone who loves you back, it is the unexpected infusion of incredible wealth.
And I am not 100% certain about that love thing.
I know what you mean but I worry about that. As we know from lottery winners, lives can be ruined after receiving "incredible wealth". From personal experience I know wealth does not equal happiness. How about everyone should experience financial security at least once in their life?
Watching your child achieve their dream. Nothing brings you more joy than seeing untempered, unbridled, pure joy in your child (juvenile or adult).
Travel to a country of own choice. Enjoy its natural beauty and colours, the culture and diversity of the people, the laughter, the food, the music, the arts, the history. Make new friends. Take as many photographs as you can for you to look back on after many years. Buy at least one souvenir. Then share those splendid memories to family and friends and how your life-altering experience made you a better person. I'm thinking of India.
Loneliness, impecuniousness, love, success - I think if people have and learn from these experiences they would understand what they need to be happy and content.