We won’t see cities on Mars. But we will likely see the beginning. In a way, that is more interesting.

Sir, you are very negative about the endeavor. That is okay. I am sanguine about it. Mars is a death trap today, but with enough work, it will no longer be.

Things that are worthwhile are hard. For me, a fulfilling life is not sitting in an easy chair, safe inside: it is taking on big transformational challenges and achieving them.

I wish to see the beginnings of the settlement of Mar and the rest of the solar system, because I can think of no greater transformational challenge for us as a species. Yes, we need to protect our environment — I am all in on that — but to me, life is not only about keeping your house clean: it is also about going outside the house.