Sagan on Mars
Maybe we’re on Mars because we have to be, because there’s a deep nomadic impulse built into us by the evolutionary process. We come after all, from hunter gatherers, and for 99.9% of our tenure on Earth we’ve been wanderers. And, the next place to wander to, is Mars. But whatever the reason you’re on Mars is, I’m glad you’re there.
And I wish I was with you.
[Via Reddit]
I’ve been reading various posts and come across several that ask the question, “why aren’t we spending this money helping the poor?” They’re looking at the Mars missions, looking at the situation at home, and thinking about what 2.6 billion dollars could do here.
As usual, before passing judgement on this, I took a step back and tried to see it from their point of view. And they do have a valid point – helping the poor is a goal we should aspire to. But does that mean we have to give up space exploration? I think they are not seeing the value in exploring Mars, and likely not seeing the value in exploring space at all. The future, for them, is different. What are they seeing? What lens are they using to view the destiny of Humanity?
I could go into the value of exploring space, but I don’t think I need to here. You already know what it is. The day we quit exploring space is the day we die as a species. This planet won’t always be our only home. If it is, then we’re in trouble. If we do not make these investments now, we will pay for it later. Those who do not perceive this, are, of course, welcome to that opinion just as I am welcome to mine. And they can have keep this viewpoint, so long as it doesn’t stop the rest of us from promoting space exploration, and cheering every time we make an advance.
There will always be a need to help the poor. And there will always be a need to explore space. We cannot ignore either.
Very well said. Thank you!