Surak and the Time of Awakening

Ancient Vulcans were not the calm people later known across the galaxy. Their passions fuelled savage wars that, armed with atomic weapons, brought their world close to self-destruction. Around the 4th century of the Earth calendar, a philosopher named Surak proposed a radical answer: master emotion through logic and discipline, and settle disputes peacefully.

This period, known as the Time of Awakening, was neither quick nor bloodless. Surak's followers had to fight for their ideas, and the philosopher himself is said to have died of radiation poisoning while seeking peace. Not every Vulcan accepted his teachings; one faction eventually left the planet altogether.

Surak's doctrine became the foundation of Vulcan civilisation. His original writings, gathered in the Kir'Shara, were rediscovered in 2154 and revived the true meaning of his message. In 2269 an image of Surak, recreated by the Excalbians, even stood beside James T. Kirk and Spock. For centuries the name of Surak has embodied the ideal of a peaceful, rational Vulcan.