Space Colonization

[euterpenc]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_colonization

I find this idea to be fascinating. Maybe it's the possibility of human immortality or the infinite possibilites that lie in outer space.

Space colonization seems possible even in the relatively near future. I wish I could live to see the day.

What are everyone else's thoughts?

[nomir_dva]

I was more excited by the prospect of space exploration when I was younger (because I'm very old now). The interesting things are all so unimaginably far away that reaching them is an absurd endevour. The resources dedicated to such a project could be much better spent fixing the world we've so successfuly fucked up. Perhaps when people no longer die of the plague we as a species will be worthy of such dreams.

[euterpenc]

I was more excited by the prospect of space exploration when I was younger (because I'm very old now). The interesting things are all so unimaginably far away that reaching them is an absurd endevour. The resources dedicated to such a project could be much better spent fixing the world we've so successfuly fucked up. Perhaps when people no longer die of the plague we as a species will be worthy of such dreams.

One day we will have to leave the solar system. We should plan for the future.

The way to fix the planet we have now we be to stop damaging it. For that to happen we'd have to give up our luxuries. That too is an absurd endeavor.

[coffeezombie]

Even the concept of ocean colonization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonization) fascinates me.

[last_caress]

One day we will have to leave the solar system. We should plan for the future.

The way to fix the planet we have now we be to stop damaging it. For that to happen we'd have to give up our luxuries. That too is an absurd endeavor.

It's not absurd at all.
It just requires good information, rational thought and self-control.
Unfortunately, it seems like information regarding our environmental damage is commonly suppressed and disregarded by the worlds greatest offender.
Even so, it is a much more immediate and important goal than orbit around Alpha Centauri.

[kuranes]

Even the concept of ocean colonization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonization) fascinates me.
Admit it CZ, you're looking for Cthulhu.

[Nemesis]

i think youd like the movie "Titan A.E."

[euterpenc]

It just requires good information, rational thought and self-control.

Which is precisely why it's absurd. Mankind will never be able to think entirely rationally and with complete self-control. I say mankind as a whole, there will be individual exceptions, but there will never be a time when the entirity of the human race with think entirely rationally, that would be outside our nature. Not everyone would WANT to give up what they have, actuall, few would. Would you yourself sincerely throw away all that you did that caused harm to the earth and its enviroment? If so, I would advise getting off the computer.

[last_caress]

Which is precisely why it's absurd. Mankind will never be able to think entirely rationally and with complete self-control. I say mankind as a whole, there will be individual exceptions, but there will never be a time when the entirity of the human race with think entirely rationally, that would be outside our nature. Not everyone would WANT to give up what they have, actuall, few would. Would you yourself sincerely throw away all that you did that caused harm to the earth and its enviroment? If so, I would advise getting off the computer.

In the world as it is today, sure.
I was speaking in terms of long range goals.
And I realize that it is unrealistic to attempt to have no impact, and to "throw away all that you did that caused harm to the earth and its enviroment".
Which is why I believe that practical minimization of impact is a more sensible goal.

The distinctly imperfect state of human affairs never stopped us from pioneering before, and I don't expect it will stop us in the future.
I just hope that somewhere along the line we have the wisdom to focus more of our resources on our immediate difficulties than on escape.

[euterpenc]

I just hope that somewhere along the line we have the wisdom to focus more of our resources on our immediate difficulties than on escape.

Why?

[coffeezombie]

Admit it CZ, you're looking for Cthulhu.

Ha ha! Maybe I am him and just want some more worshippers.