Understanding the Mars Analogy: Human Survival on a New Planet

While the idea of living on Mars may seem daunting, it serves as a stark reminder of our current condition on Earth. If we were to transplant ourselves to a new planet, we would quickly find that the challenges of survival on Mars are magnified, making it clear that our survival on Earth depends on a fundamental shift in our nature. Let’s explore the differences and what this might mean for our future.

Adapting to Mars

Moving to Mars would necessitate a considerable adjustment. First, gravity would change, making us feel lighter due to Mars' smaller mass compared to Earth. This lighter weight could pose challenges for physical activities and the need for adaptation. Second, the oxygen situation would be dire. Mars has a thin atmosphere, meaning that every breath would be a necessity, and we would require advanced breathing apparatus, possibly including pressure suits. Third, water would be scarce, with visible land stretching endlessly in the absence of lakes and rivers. Mars would have its share of underground water, but it would be a precious and valuable resource, not a constant presence.

Once settled, the environmental impact would mirror Earth’s, with human activities leading to pollution and resource depletion. We would likely seek to exploit any resources available, just as we have with Earth. This attitude of self-centeredness and the desire to enjoy at any cost would further exacerbate the challenges of living on a new planet.

The Egoism Controversy: A Barrier to Sustainable Living

The root of our survival crises, both on Earth and potentially on Mars, lies in our egoism. Egoism is the belief that our personal benefit should come first, often at the expense of others. This egoistic nature drives us to seek individual advantage, leading to environmental degradation and social conflict. Whether on Mars or Earth, we need to recognize that our current habits and behaviors are unsustainable.

The gravity we feel, the air we breathe, and the water we drink on Mars would be a stark reminder of the fundamental interconnectedness of our existence. Without a change in our egoistic attitudes, we would continue to experience the destructive patterns of the past. Our egoistic nature wants us to devour everything around us for our own personal benefit, a behavior that can only lead to our own peril.

A Path Forward: Moving Beyond Egoism

The future is not predetermined; it is a choice we must make. The realization of our current trajectory and the understanding that our egoistic nature is a barrier to sustainable living can lead to a significant shift. We must move beyond our individual desires and focus on collective well-being and the health of our planet. By prioritizing the laws of interconnectedness and interdependence, we can create a sustainable future on Earth.

Once we rise above our egoistic nature, we can heal the rifts within our society and between people and nature. The Earth, with its immense regenerative potential, would recover and thrive if we stop harming it and embrace the laws of nature. We would no longer need to seek new planets or environments to thrive, as a change in our attitudes would bring prosperity and happiness.

The question, then, is why we have not already prioritized this change over other actions. The answer lies in our continued hesitation to see the value in a collective, interconnected approach to life.