[ace32229]

This comment is really poorly reasoned imo. To continue your metaphor, ancient peoples did not sail across the Pacific *, they sailed to the next nearest island and started colonies there (if viable). You could apply your logic to argue for colonising Uranus, or even the Sun.

> Two centuries in the future, the benefit of going to mars will be obvious IF the colonisation of Mars is successful (however you define that), the benefits of it MIGHT be obvious. Those are 2 huge conditionals; it may not be possible to colonise Mars, and if it is possible, we may still not be seeing any benefits in 200 years time.

*Of course, some did, but very much by exception. And it rarely ended well for these people, or their tribes, or humanity at large.