Great thinking here by someone who understands how systems work.

However, this person does not.

I wonder how much impact we would have on the eco collapse if we put our efforts into preventing it instead of conquering other planets.

— Joachim Budde (@buddepiept) April 4, 2019

This exhibits a fundamental miscomprehension of many facets and aspects of social and physical reality. Economics has led many to believe that all of everything is a zero sum game. This could not be further from the truth. Sure, at base, resources are limited — how we use them is not.

Generally, I hate these sorts of inspirational quotes. However, roughly this is accurate.

A bar of iron costs $5, made into horseshoes its worth is $12, made into needles its worth is $3500, made into balance springs for watches, its worth is $300,000.

(I omitted the inspirational part.)

By researching what it takes to live in other planets or in space habitats, we better understand our own environment and ecosystems. And apart from any technological development, the social aspect of our aspirations, our dreams, our hopes matter; in fact, as Fiona points out these matter more than the technology itself.

I wish people would read some books, do some thinking, before spouting off. Just anything, anything to be a little smarter, to have some sort of grasp of the complex interrelations of the world. I know it’s hard. Anything worth doing is hard. I am so tired of hearing that goddamn excuse.