Or peoplekind, if you prefer.
NASA's decision to pursue a permanent base on the moon is welcome news. And the Russkis want in, another good sign. Although these still represent baby steps towards space exploration and colonization, it's a step in the right direction. To doubters that space exploration can pay big dividends here on Earth I commend you to Dr. Jerry Pournelle's book, A Step Farther Out. The announcement of water existing on Mars this week is just another example there's a lot out there we don't know. To paraphrase old Willy again, there's more to heaven than dreamt of in our philosophies.
Exploring space has another benefit -- as we realize how vast the universe is our problems on this tiny planet get awfully small. Maybe I'm pollyanna but as the opportunities out there manifest themselves surely they will be a catalyst for some unity here on old home Terra. And if not, in a few generations, some of us will be able to escape and get another chance to create a workable human society.
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