Is Mars Colonization an Inevitable Step Encoded in Our DNA?

Explore a unique perspective on exoplanet colonization, drawn from historical human migrations and civilization's anthropological evolution, articulated by a political scientist.

Issue No 35. Subscribers 5797. Featuring a quote from the President of the Mars Society and the author of the book ‘The Case for Mars’ - Rubert Zubrin.

We regularly receive a plethora of queries and topic suggestions for new articles. As always, we strive to respond via email or address these proposed topics in our posts. This time, we received a message from one of our dedicated readers who offered a distinctive viewpoint on exoplanet colonization. It gives us great pleasure to present our first guest-authored post by Anthony Rain.

Anthony Rain holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and possesses a keen interest in Data Science. As a Futurologist, he is currently concentrating his research on examining social system models by drawing parallels with machine learning models, neural networks, and artificial intelligence.

The colonization of Mars is as instinctive to our species as the Migration Period, the Age of Exploration, and the establishment of North American colonies. The nomads, conquistadors, and Protestant settlers of yesteryears ventured into the unknown, without concrete business plans, models, or accurate predictions of the future. Their motivations were diverse - some sought gold, others aspired for fame and power, and a few escaped from oppressive regimes. The result was a transformative era for humanity, giving rise to a world that was new, improved, and more advanced.

We have discussed this article with Robert Zubrin, the President of the Mars Society and the author of the book ‘The Case for Mars’ and his perspective on Mars colonization. Zubrin pointed out that when humanity ventures into a new environment, different from the one we're accustomed to, it often triggers a surge of innovation. He cited the example of European expansion into America, which spurred inventions like caravel and refrigeration, among others, that wasn't much necessitated in Europe by that time. The use of a steam engine has found greater distribution in North America where the distances between settlements were larger than in Europe. He suggested that migrating to Mars could kick-start an advanced trajectory of human development, far surpassing our current state. Intriguingly, he added that we can't fully anticipate all the discoveries this might entail.

Migration: A Fundamental Norm of Human Civilization

For hundreds of thousands of years, our ancestors traversed the Earth, driven by the need for food, the avoidance of predators, and the search for refuge from natural disasters. Migration was an ongoing process; generations were born, matured, and passed away during this ceaseless journey. The primary motivations for this movement were the varying natural and climatic conditions.

A potential visualization of a Martian colony as seen from space in the future.

Our species' birthplace is Africa. The earliest migrant, Homo erectus, embarked on its journey approximately two million years ago, eventually settling in South Eurasia. Homo sapiens migrated from Africa to the Middle East in two distinct waves, the first around 130-120 thousand years ago, followed by a second about 60 thousand years ago. Roughly 50-55 thousand years ago, they colonized Southeast Asia and Australia. Europe, Siberia, and the Far East were populated over 40 thousand years ago. The Americas were settled around 22 thousand years ago (some archaeological evidence suggests that humans may have been present in the Americas earlier than this, potentially as early as 30,000 years ago, but these findings are controversial and not universally accepted). Since then, the pace of migration and exploration has accelerated, leaving few uncharted and uninhabited territories on Earth.

Even more innovative theories suggest that the impetus for migration may be encoded in our DNA. Certain studies have explored the role of the Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO-A) gene, known for its involvement in the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. One of these variants of MAO-A, often referred to as the "warrior gene," has been associated with more aggressive or risk-taking behavior in some studies, although this remains a topic of ongoing scientific debate. Drawing a direct line between these traits and human migration is not straightforward. A more nuanced understanding of genetics, coupled with a consideration of societal factors, is required to fully comprehend any potential relationship.

Recognizing that our Sun will inevitably exhaust its fuel source and catastrophically end one day, the preservation of life necessitates our departure from Earth and the establishment of colonies elsewhere, possibly even outside of our solar system. While this concept may seem profoundly distant, the establishment of a colony on Mars represents a feasible and logical next step in our quest for survival and expansion.

Natural selection 2.0

As they migrated, our ancestors often came into contact with their "competitors". These encounters could either result in conflict or give rise to a new generation of offspring superior to their predecessors. Those who adapted to new conditions and environments were the ones who ultimately survived, while those unable to do so often perished. Today, global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and threats of nuclear and biological warfare are much akin to the natural and climatic factors of yesteryears. To surmount these obstacles, humanity will require an extraordinary degree of adaptability, which in turn will precipitate significant changes in humans as a species. As these changes accelerate over time, the prospect of migrating to Mars may become a compelling motivation for individuals in pursuit of stability and predictability.

Mars, in this regard, could be likened to a stable, generous, but exacting employer, selecting only one out of tens or hundreds of thousands of applicants. The first settlers on Mars will represent the crème de la crème of professionals: the skills, personality traits, and abilities of an average colonist will far surpass those of an average Earth inhabitant.

From Neolithic Revolution to Martian Evolution: The Role of Self-Sufficiency and Technological Progress

Prior to the 'Neolithic Revolution,' our ancestors were wholly at the mercy of nature. The transition to agriculture and permanent settlements altered this dynamic, as humans learned to store food supplies to offset periods of scarcity and surplus, thereby reducing their reliance on nature and fortuitous circumstances. The increased agricultural productivity fueled a surge in population growth, led to the specialization of roles, and catalyzed the formation of social institutions. Labor was divided, with craftwork distinguishing itself from agriculture and animal husbandry. This enabled individuals to trade their goods and services for other commodities, marking the dawn of humanity's journey into the realm of technological progress—a journey fraught with trials and tribulations.

A potential visualization of a Martian colony in the future.

The settlers of Mars, much like our terrestrial ancestors, will find themselves subject to the whims of their external environment. The establishment of the first settlements—entirely self-sufficient in terms of air, water, food, and energy—will trigger a shift akin to the 'Neolithic Revolution.' It is our hope that these pioneers will be skilled engineers and builders, capable of turning this harsh new world into a thriving colony.

Economic Foundations on Mars: From Barter to Autonomy

Transitioning from the 'Neolithic Revolution,' the advent of trade, institutions, and property rights marked significant progress for our ancestors, leading to the development of accounting, writing, and the first organizational management structures. The establishment of these systems — from initial barter exchanges to commodity-money relations — laid the groundwork for ancient civilizations like Egypt and Central Asia.

Contrarily, due to Mars' inhospitable environment, its scientific and technological progress may outpace that on Earth. Martians will be called upon to innovate in areas like transportation, food production, and energy technologies, with most work likely to be automated and robotized. This technological advancement will underpin the future Martian society and economy.

In the early stages, resource distribution on Mars may follow a command-administrative model. However, as excess resources, food, energy, and air become available, economic and financial institutions will develop, paving the way for active trade with Earth and other colonies within the Solar System.

Initial dependency on Earth for basic supplies and resources will be a necessity for Mars. However, the colony's transition to self-sufficiency and subsequent trade will be critical for its survival. The establishment of an independent currency and financial system on Mars will be a gradual process, not an immediate outcome.

Insuring Against Apocalypse: Mars as Humanity's Backup Plan

Elon Musk's proposition that humanity should establish a 'backup' of life on Mars may seem futuristic, but a glance back at history suggests he may be onto something. The invention of the wheel, for instance, facilitated our ancestors' migration and sparked the development of trade. It also spawned the 'ancient tank' – the war chariot. While scientific and technological progress is often hailed as humanity's savior, we've also witnessed its fallout, as in the 'Bronze Age Collapse' (circa 1205-1150 BCE), when advanced ancient civilizations like the Egyptian, Hittite Kingdom, and Mycenaean civilization either disappeared or significantly declined. In this period of severe cultural recession, sophisticated economies, legal procedures, diplomatic etiquette, and even writing systems vanished for generations in some regions.

As fans of Isaac Asimov's 'Foundation' series will recall, the character Hari Seldon successfully predicts a future civilizational collapse using 'psychohistory,' a blend of quantitative and qualitative predictive methods. Drawing on these predictions, a backup of all knowledge is created to expedite humanity's recovery. While modern analysts struggle to reliably forecast recurring economic crises, predicting a civilization's collapse is near-impossible. The fall of Assyria or the Maya civilization would have seemed sudden to their inhabitants, while the decline of the Roman Empire spanned centuries. Nevertheless, nothing prevents humanity from preparing for such events in advance.

A self-sufficient human settlement on Mars can serve as an insurance policy for humanity, a 'backup,' a reserve of civilization's memory. Therefore, establishing a self-sustaining colony on Mars should be a priority. After all, you wouldn't skip payments on your house or car insurance, would you?

Capitalizing on Crisis: The Other Side of the Coin

Every crisis inherently carries opportunities for change and growth. For nations resilient enough to weather the storm, they emerge stronger, gain competitive advantages, and may even expand to colonize neighboring territories. The 'Bronze Age Collapse,' for instance, paved the way for Cyprus's period of prosperity, which lasted until the 10th century BC. During this period, the Jews arrived in Palestine and established the Kingdom of Israel. We also witness the migration of Indo-Europeans and the subsequent rise of new cultures in India and Central Asia. The states and societies that anticipated, supported, and actively participated in the migration and resettlement following the 'Bronze Age catastrophe' reaped the rewards of the crisis, bolstering their power, preserving their culture, and fostering its development.

The conceptualization of Earth's civilization colonizing Mars can be likened to the financial instrument of 'investment life and health insurance'. Much like this insurance, where you may never require its benefits, the endeavor of colonizing Mars presents a similar scenario. Regardless of whether we ultimately inhabit Mars or not, the investment will yield returns. These returns will be in the form of advancements in technology, newly discovered resources, the expansion of our spatial frontiers, and potentially, monetary profits. 

Should the prospect of a 'new dark age' become a reality, Mars, if already a self-sufficient colony, could thrive amidst the turmoil. It could serve as a migration base or a 'global gateway' to the solar system, ensuring the continuation and evolution of human civilization. The nations investing in the colonization of Mars stand to reap significant benefits, particularly in the event of a potential new dark age.

Collaboration Over Competition: The Path Forward

While competition and conflicts between states have sporadically spurred scientific and technological advancement, they've also perpetually risked the downfall of civilizations. Conversely, international trade and political alliances have consistently broadened opportunities for global progress. As we confront the daunting and expensive endeavor of colonizing Mars and other celestial bodies, we at Space Ambition advocate for international collaboration. We envision a "Unified Coalition for Mars Exploration" in the future. Otherwise, as the cost of Mars travel becomes more affordable, numerous nations may establish separate colonies, potentially sowing seeds for future conflicts. We firmly believe in cultural and social diversity as the key to civilization's survival and evolution. We also posit that such a monumental project could stimulate economic recovery, absorbing surplus labor, driving global economic growth, and uniting people worldwide towards a shared objective. We'd rather see nations competing in scientific discoveries and the establishment of Martian settlements, than in draining trade wars or armed conflicts. Space is vast, offering ample room for every country and culture to prosper.

While we can't predict with certainty whether Earth's civilization will face a new dark age, establishing a contingency plan on Mars is a prudent move. Even if catastrophe never strikes, the mere pursuit of such an endeavor will significantly stimulate scientific, technical, and social progress. So it is a win-win situation regardless of the outcome.

History has repeatedly demonstrated that migration, territorial exploration, technological innovations, and social advancements pave the way toward a prosperous future. We hope humanity has amassed lessons from the past and will circumvent prior missteps. We conclude this article with videos of potential terraforming strategies for Mars and Venus, achievable with existing or slightly enhanced technologies, and utilizing resources readily available in our solar system. It seems as if Mother Nature is beckoning her children to ascend to the next level, to evolve into a Type 2 civilization. What we truly need is ambition, imagination, talent, and investment. Fortunately, we have an abundance of these resources among our subscribers. All we need is to synergize them. 

Mapping Our Cosmic Destiny: The Imperative of Mars Colonization and the Power of Collective Imagination

We hope this article has ignited in you a spark of curiosity, a sense of wonder, and perhaps, a burning desire to contribute to this grand endeavor. We believe in the potential of collective intelligence - the strength of a community that shares a common dream. The colonization of Mars is not merely a scientific or technical challenge. It's a collective human endeavor, a shared dream that transcends geographical borders, cultural differences, and social disparities.

Whether you're a student, an investor, an entrepreneur, a professional, a scientist, an artist, a philosopher, or simply a curious mind, we invite you to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, your ideas, and your dreams. What do you envision for the future of Mars colonization? What role do you see yourself playing in this grand narrative? Please comment on your thoughts or send us your opinion, ideas, and dreams at hello@spaceambition.org. Let's shape the future of humanity.