After reading Warren Ellis’s mini-essay on the subject, Bending Mars, my opinon has been formed. Prior to this, I was intrigued by the robot exploration of Mars, but really just did not see what all the fuss was about. Yes, it was an amazing job of planning and engineering. Yes, it was a interesting to see what they were finding up there. But it had no impact on me.

Now though, I see getting to Mars and getting there as fast as possible is critical for the long term future of humanity.

You may find Ellis’ predictions about our “meat hook future” to be grim or cynical, but ultimatly, aren’t his pleas to let our mad species’ creations live by spreading them off-world all about hope?