Do we, as a race, actually know anything?

[DubiousIntentions]

We want to go to Mars, possibly to colonize it. Wouldn't all that money spent on space exploration be better spent fixing Earth's problems instead? We don't seem to know that. We know more about the surface of the moon than our own deep oceans. Why is that? We don't know. Someone comes up with a car that can run on water, but the auto industry buys the patent and it goes nowhere. Why? We don't know. We as a race have gotten along in a lot of ways, but also have been at odds in a lot of ways. Think of what we could do if all Earth was united. So why aren't we? We don't know. If you consider all the trillions of stars and possible planets out there with people maybe a million years more advanced than us, we don't know squat! The only thing we know for sure is how to exterminate ourselves with the push of a few buttons. We, as a race, are actually pretty stupid.

[NamerOfStars]

We know a hell of a lot. Let's go point by point:

-Money spent on space exploration brings us ever closer to lunar mining of helium-3, far more abundant in lunar regolith than anywhere on Earth. Helium-3 would give us fuel for nuclear fusion that's actually, genuinely clean; tritium and deuterium irradiate and can't be contained in magnetic fields, but He-3 doesn't have that problem. Would you rather we keep burning fossils fuels and wood, thorium that leaves spent fuel rods and irradiates all it touches, or solar and wind power that would require telling half the world it can't industrialize its economy? More energy would give us the ability to fix nearly every human-fixable problem we have. We DO know this.

-The difficulties of space exploration, in terms of probes, are being tough enough to withstand acceleration to escape velocity, durable enough to survive micrometeorite impacts, and self-sufficient enough to operate remotely. By contrast, the deep sea offers not only a total absence of light and the presence of creatures that might be fatally disrupted by its presence, but atmospheric pressures greater than anywhere else in the solar system outside of the Sun itself. We DO know this, unless we slept through seventh grade science class.

-Someone who comes up with a car that runs on water is a con artist. Short of some kind of antimatter power generation, water lacks anywhere near the energy to power an internal combustion engine. We DO know this, unless we slept through physics. For that matter, if there IS some way to harness latent energy in water, an industry company buying it up to suppress it would have no power in other countries, including those that have no relationship with Western court systems.

-We aren't united because 1. we evolved to compete and struggle against one another; the humans who didn't have a primal urge to kill were killed by the ones who did. 2. we innovate and iterate on existing technologies far more when we compete than when we cooperate. 3. It takes one person to make a war, and almost everyone to make a peace. We DO know this, unless we slept through both biology and sociology classes.

-We are nowhere NEAR being able to exterminate ourselves with the pressing of a few buttons. We could wipe out civilization, no problem, but remember that humanity has endured hardships nearly unimaginable to modern Westerners. The aftermath of Toba saw us reduced to less than 10,000 people- the whole human race, not enough to fill a stadium. The Black Death, a rapidly spreading plague with an almost 50% lethality rate. We can eat almost anything and shrug off physical damage that would kill a horse. The Takmalakan desert, in the Tarim basin, sees essentially ZERO rainfall and is hundreds of miles from any source of fresh water; humans have continually inhabited it for thousands of years, as if to spite nature saying we couldn't survive there.

We are TOUGH creatures, and that we've developed so many horrifyingly effective ways to kill each other is more a testament to our cleverness than our vulnerability. And it goes even further than that: you don't see chimps or crows or orcas banding together in large groups and finding other groups that they interact peacefully with; when the population grows too high for local resource levels, they fight and they die. We're the only species in history to do otherwise: we work together. We develop tools and technologies for transportation, so we can feed cities that can't grow their own food. We see other people, totally unrelated to us and unable to help OR harm us in any way, starving, and we give our own food and resources to help them. We find animals that can't survive in a changing world and provide help and support to keep their species going.

What we DO know, ultimately, is that nature is hard, cruel, and merciless- and we're determined to do better. That we often fail doesn't change the fact that we, and we alone, TRY.

[RingOfFire]

50% agree and 50% I think it misses the mark.

I agree that we as human beings on a speck of dust in the universe give ourselves credit for knowing a lot more than we actually do know. Of the full repository of knowledge, about "science" or about any other topic we probably don't know even one billionth of 1% of what there is to know. Therefore when we hear scientists start off sentences with the words "We now know..." I always get a chuckle because the first sign of ignorance is presumptuousness and science is full of it. We know next to NOTHING. Science is nothing but another religion, the religion of science. Call me back when you can create a living thing from inanimate materials or when you can give a *COHERENT* explanation for where the universe we live in came from.

Where I differ is in the examples you gave. Humans have benefited greatly from our exploration and study of space, for example. From development of materials that that have revolutionized everything from farming to home construction to experiments and discoveries that could not have been conducted or observed on earth that have led to medical breakthroughs, the investment in space exploration has not been without a valuable return on investment for mankind.

As to the car running on water example, I think the flaw in that case is too complicated to explain in the scope of this comment. But one key element of that flaw is the implication that car companies would not act in their own interest if it was profitable to do so. If, in the example you gave, it would be profitable for them to build a car that runs on water, I don't think there is any doubt they would do so. And it WOULD be profitable if it produced a product that consumers wanted to buy at a price that could produce a profit. If, as with electric cars that seem to be a flop, consumers do not want to buy them in sufficient quantities to make it a profitable venture to produce them, then it likely would not be beneficial for people to produce them UNLESS you assume that the government knows what is best for you better than you know yourself and forces the car companies to produce them anyway even at a loss taking away consumer choice. I would argue that is NOT beneficial for a society, it is authoritarianism and leads to a failing economy as seen in so many other places that have such authoritarian governments.

Probably running out of room so I will continue in a sub comment...

[RingOfFire]

Final point of semi-disagreement.

Your comment at its core is about allocating resources. Should we spend resources on space exploration or on unity and peace? The problem I see with this is that it assumes that we have the capability to change the nature of human nature if only we devote enough resources to it. That is a nice notion to be sure. On the surface at least, it's comforting to think that may be possible. Let's stop the wars, let's stop man's "inhumanity to man," let's stop the racial and religious and sexual orientation wars. Let's stop the competition between tribes. But is it really nice? Is it realistic? Is it desirable? Is it even POSSIBLE? Can human nature, derived from billions of years of evolution be changed by expending enough resources to change it? I am not so sure that is possible. And even more importantly I am not so sure it is desirable. Most of what has been programmed into humans by nature and evolution revolves around survival instinct. Do we really want to mess with that when he have no idea what we are doing? I'm not so sure. It may be even more dangerous than our naturally competitive and even combative behavior. We have survived for millions of years like this. These divisions have existed since the dawn of the human race and we are still not extinct. Tamper with success at your own risk.

[DubiousIntentions]

If we can't change then we will just be another burned out hulk in space, devoid of all life.

[RingOfFire]

Could be worse. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Daniela1982]

@RingOfFire What could be worse than being on a burned-out husk in space? What is worse than death? Death, the final frontier. These are the tales of a burned-out rock in space called Earth. And we didn't need the Borg to get that way.

[RingOfFire]

At some point, recognizing humor becomes a calming skill.

[DaisyM23]

Oh I think we definitely know how to fix all these problems but we CHOOSE not to - tbf I don't think earth will ever be united, unless some alien force comes to take over, but even then people will be arguing lol - but in the case of exploring mars and climate change, we have enough money, food and resources to look after everyone and the planet but the people who control it aren't willing to concede anything

[purplepoppy]

The problem is it's not Earth's money. The money invested in space comes from investors who hope to see a profit and they've little financial incentive to fix Earth's problems.

We tend to be good at putting a sticking plaster other countries' problems but bad at tackling the route cause, even within our own borders we seem Hell bent on political point scoring than finding solutions.

[smne35]

You do realize that for now we're good here but we cannot stay here on this planet, the clock is ticking and when the sun that's provided all we need to exist here runs out of fuel earth is no more asking with mercury and maybe Mars as well, but long before that, the moon will have left us, it's moving away from us each year not by a large margin, inches a year but in few million years it will be pretty far and we owe it stability, the seasons and climate on the moon, once it's gone the weather will be erratic, strong winds, higher than average tides really won't have seasons, so we have to start preparing now to seek out a new world than can sustain us or those in the distant future, I say we got about 2 and half billion years here left, and do much will happen during that time, land mass out continents will come together and break apart I say at least 3 times, that by itself is an experience your never forget if you survive, it's an awesome thing to, imaging all the known continents forming one giant land mass, and then some time later tearing it self apart and repeating but these millions of years in between, but what will be needed is to work together as one people one world stop all this fighting and get along anyway they is why we must start making plans to exist on other planets, the clock is ticking on this or only home for now

[DubiousIntentions]

We're not going to last even 20 years the way things are going.

[smne35]

Things seem like it's you know. Everything's in chaos right now, but that's how it is when changes happening. We'll be around for the next 20 years. 30, 40 few million. I'm optimistic about that and you should be too. You should have no concerns but enjoy your day. I like how you think? What concerns you the most?

[robhazelnut]

If humanity all chose to share a vision for healthy soil and unpolluted water, then there would be no need to force anyone to stop such damage to those foundations of life. The same would apply to Mars. No matter how far a person travels, their body's senses are limited, and existence is more vast than anyone can visualize. We can all only remember so much. One memory I choose to keep is of a beautiful photo you had shared in an opinion a few days ago in the "How Do I Look?" section.

[DubiousIntentions]

You will have to remind me. I can't even remember half the posts I make.

[robhazelnut]

If I remember correctly, you wrote, "It could be worse."

[DubiousIntentions]

Doesn't ring a bell. Are you sure it was How do I look?

[robhazelnut]

That's my memory. I'll not beat around the bush; those who faint on couches, you may wish to read other things. My memory of your post also includes a photo of someone with a very similar face to yours, in a yellow bikini, showing off her glorious, giant backside.

[Saiesh30]

I really commend you for bringing that up. I could resonate with every word you said there. Often contemplating about significant questions of our time, I always find myself pondering whether channeling the vast financial and material resources to space exploration or other likely ambitions, with its uncertain outcomes, towards alleviating the plight of millions and millions facing hunger, malnutrition, homelessness and unemployment would not be a more impactful pursuit. I personally believe that those wielding influence possess the potential to effect positive change but they just succumb to self-interest. True fulfillment, in my opinion lies in addressing immediate human needs, paving the way for both peace and personal satisfaction, while leaving room to pursue ambitious aspirations.

[smne35]

What should be of greater concern is the care of this world we all have a responsibility to care for it, it's only fair that those coming behind us enjoy it as we have, and we all have another responsibility, that is removing the switch for nuclear weapons from reach of these so called leaders, no one gets to decide it's time to destroy our only home we have this world, it's not ok for these people who create crap in the world got their hiding place while rest of us die for their cause no not happening and how the rest of the world stands by and allows this to happen for so long, politicians governments creates wars and conflicts not citizens,

[menina]

You couldn't have said it better! That's also what I believe in. But as a human, it's hard to admit that we are completely ignorant about our world. We could learn , evolve and be united and strong instead of destroying our home and killing each other.

[Part2603]

"Wouldn't all that money spent on space exploration be better spent fixing Earth's problems instead?"

"Someone comes up with a car that can run on water, but the auto industry buys the patent and it goes nowhere."

Like investing in public education?

[DubiousIntentions]

Everybody needs an education. You can't get very far without one.

[Part2603]

Clearly it was wasted on you.

[smne35]

We need to understand the universe and it's makeup, the dangers out there because the day will come when we must leave this world, it's fate is decided long ago when it was created,, the real shame her I'd because of greed many suffer needless and die, because of greed arrogance, people because they can't afford to, we really need to changepay for the medicine or is given a inferior batch, for same reason people die from hunger when they don't have to simple necessities that's in abundance we really need to change our way of thinking we have been passing down the same old ideas to our kids to theirs and so on for generations is not working

[lightbulb27]

Agree, there is something seriously broken.

This lady put it well in regards to climate change... it's the way we run our society that's the problem. The issue for all of that being... wealth and money. But that's the way to

https://www.youtube.com/embed/TI5FMj5D9zU

some of this is the essence of issue between left and right, and as written, sounds like the left is correct in some regards.

[KrakenAttackin]

The space program has provided tremendous technology and advancement to everyday people. Everything from metallurgy, computer technology, energy production, and myriad more items.

As for "solving" Earth's problems, humans are a bottomless pit for money funded "problems". Space exploration holds the key understanding our own origins as well as guiding our future.

[Massageman]

I have to agree on the philosophical level. (I'm not going into the invention/exploration minutia). As a race of mankind, if we would ALL follow God's laws, we would be a heck of a lot better off.

[Sparkie460]

It's because our government likes to spend taxpayers money foolishly instead of making wise choices and put our money to good use.

Millions of dollars to explore Mars and the moon. What for? Take that money and make sure all our disabled veteran's and homeless have what they need.

[Sevenpointfive]

the problem is we have megalomaniacs in power. and that's not a good thing.

[NathanDavis]

most of us... don't even know, won't ever know ALL of what we know as a race...

that's why equality or fair will, never be a thing...

[Fireguy17]

according to those that tell us stuff we are really smart.
Just about every time we try to futz with mother nature it somehow comes back and bites us in the ass.

[Dargil]

Races no nothing other than the instincts they are born with. Everything else is learned.

[DubiousIntentions]

Seems we never learn then. Except how to kill each other better and faster.

[Dargil]

Well, we make nifty I phones.

[Billlewis]

You make some great points, that's for sure.

[DJB72]

We've learned a lot, just no self knowledge 🤣

[love_conquers_lust]

If we didn’t, you wouldn’t be able to ask the question.

[DubiousIntentions]

@love_conquers_lust But you didn't know how to answer it either, so there! 😎

[love_conquers_lust]

I’m there. My answer was rhetorical/implied. It’s safe to assume all my answers imply I know what I’m talking about. #Arrogance

[DubiousIntentions]

Wait, what ARE you talking about?

[love_conquers_lust]

It was a cryptic joke. Declaring that I knew everything. So forget it.

[LunarEclipse433]

I think that it would cost more to fix our planet than move to a new one. Plus probably more profit for the mega rich if they colonize a new planet

[DubiousIntentions]

@LunarEclipse433 Have you any idea what it would take to transport the human race to Mars? Think of all the spacecrafts it would take and all the food, and all that we would need to survive long term. Especially when it isn't even habitable without some kind or radiation shielding. Besides, after the 8 months it takes to get there, we would be killing each other as we do here. ** on a side note, the aliens who own Mars would be saying, "Oh hell no! You screwed up our other planet and you aren't going to do it here too!!" before they blasted us all into space junk. 😮🛸🛸🛸🛸🛸⚡

[LunarEclipse433]

I have to agree with you. They would be building a wall and closing the borders. LOL!!!

[AngryCarl]

If we know we are stupid we must be wise. If we think we are wise we must be stupid.

[smne35]

Yeah that's true

[nawtee_me]

How are we supposed to exploit Mars if we don’t first explore it?

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

Humans suffer from hubris. Their knowledge is actually is extremely small and limited.