Robin sez: ...
> I think that there is little point in being in space just for it's own sake. > The > only real reason to go into space is to go to other planets. If one doesn't > have > the technology to do that, then there isn't much point. ... I've run across this opinion many times in my life. When I was a tad younger the opinion used to incense me to no end. I used to equate those who were of the opinion that that there is little point in being in space (just for its own sake) as being positively medieval in nature. I suspect I used to equate it with the erroneous assumption that most of these people weren't really interested in advancing technology for the benefit of all. I used to assume that most of these people were anti-technologist - Ludites. Meanwhile, all I could see was the population on our planet increasing, getting completely out of control to the point that we would not be able to take care of everyone in a humane manner. Well, actually that's the case now, and has been for quite some time, but I wasn't interested in nudging us any closer to Soylent Green. As I've gotten a little older I'd like to believe I've become a tad more tolerant of the opinions of others. In this regard I suspect there will be plenty of room for both perceptions to take root. Those who see little point in exploring outer space for its own sake will most likely stay close to mother Earth and tend their gardens. Meanwhile, those who see a point in exploring outer space for it's own sake will most likely do just that. That may eventually include very large interstellar city-ships capable of transporting hundreds and thousands of people anywhere. People will be born, work, study, play, garden, and die on them. FWIW, the on-going debate reminds me of Asimov's Foundation Universe, and all that entails. At least you now where my own personal predilections lay. ;-) steve Regards Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
