[shiroiushi]

>Which, to me, raises the question why you should even do this. There is no benefit. Just for the solace of knowing that there is a chance your species might survive the demise of your civilization? That's not much considering the immense cost.

For the people on the generation ship, it can be a good deal. If the ship is large enough and comfortable enough, it can be a better lifestyle than many people live today.

[palata]

> If the ship is large enough and comfortable enough, it can be a better lifestyle than many people live today.

Surely if it is comfortable enough, nobody is even remotely considering sending poor people there, right?

Then again: what about improving life on Earth instead? Because if you look out there, it's great (at least in those places that humans have not completely destroyed).

[shiroiushi]

>Then again: what about improving life on Earth instead?

Because it's politically impossible.

Your question is like going to a prison full of psychopathic murderers (not just regular murderers, but the ones who really like murdering) and asking them why they can't just be normal, good citizens.