Re: Why Colonize Space? Because We Are Dealing In Absolutes

Jim Davis wrote:

Thomas Lee Elifritz wrote:

Paradise on Earth will only come about with space
colonization. Please tell me you are not that stupid that you
can't see that as a given.

A possibility; not a given.

Let's see, we have the Earth, a two dimensional sphere, with a primary productivity depth measured in meters, inhabited by 6.5 billion idiots. And, in contrast : the cosmos.

Why else are you posting here?

Because I've had a lifelong interest in the subject but not to the point of religious dogma which has to be accepted on faith, or as you put it "as a given".

I observe Earth and the cosmos. That pretty much makes it a given.

Right, and when the system fails you, and you find yourself out
in the wilderness crawling around on your hands and knees trying
to find something to eat, then you will find the distinction
less distinct.

<chuckle>

Let me see if I understand you: we should move to *space* because we'll have trouble finding something to eat on "earth"?

No, we'll have trouble

I've been there before Jim. Hurricane Floyd, for instance. 1999.

Yes, I remember. A scene repeated many times over the years. A natural or manmade disaster strikes and the lucky survivors vow to start a new life on the moon where life holds fewer surprises.

No, we usually vow to build a better spaceship. Never been there, eh?

Perhaps he has never been as desperate as I in the wilderness.

What is space if not a wilderness, indeed the worst wilderness imaginable?

That's precisely my point.

You should try it, it's a real eye opener. Character building.
It makes you appreciate what we really have, and how easy it
would be to lose it in an instant. I'm not talking ecotourism.

You're not talking about space either.

Sure I am, Earth is in space. It must be so nice to live such a sheltered life. Are you absolutely sure your spaceship is secure?

It's a no brainer. However, a wide awake mind is
required.

Your wide awake mind has apparently decided that the horrors of the Bahamas are preferable to the bliss of space.

It's not always horrible. It goes from being a paradise to being a hellish nightmare on a moments notice. Never been there, eh?

Nobody has made any choices. This is something that all mankind
must choose together.

Translation: I'm not colonizing space until someone else does the heavy lifting for me.

No, the reality is that we are all on the same spaceship.

It's all for one and one for all, the
individualist paradigm completely breaks down in the wilderness,
as you shall soon see someday for yourself.

I see you have a more realistic concept of what space colonies will be like than Mr. Bradford. This is the seamier side of space colonies the advocates don't discuss much.

Perhaps because they are not walking the walk and living the life,
as I am. I practice what I preach, to the extent that individualism permits me. Thus I am intimately aware of the failures of individualism.

I've been out there
many times myself, and I'll soon be out there again, it's
something that you have to reaffirm often, otherwise, it's so
easy to forget that the wilderness exists at all.

I've heard the Bahamas can be a real hell hole.

You heard correctly. I can also be a real paradise.

You're to be commended for not taking the path of least resistance by moving to Antarctica or the Rub' al-Khali to avoid those hurricanes. Many of your fellow Bahamians don't have your grit. Housing Bahamian refugees is a serious problem in Florida and I understand the Bahamian government had a hard time controlling rioters in Nassau demanding to be allowed to emmigrate to L5.

When Nassau gets hit by a C5 then you'll see it. Hugo 1989 VI.

Ever seen an American tourist demanding to emigrate? It's pretty ugly.

I'm upgrading to category 5 capabilities as fast as I possibly can.

It's not a matter of consistency, it's a matter of life or
death.

I'm afraid living in space will hold few attractions to those consumed by matters of life and death.

But it will ultimately determine life or death of civilization.

Don't worry, the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane season will soon be upon US.

I suggest you get your spaceship in order, secure the hatches, batten
it down, zip it up. Shake, rattle and roll inside of a concrete box.

Other clever euphemism may or may not be appropriate.

http://cosmic.lifeform.org
.

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