A Singular Time of Big Simple Facts

A useful way of looking at the present situation of planet Earth is, this several thousand year period of time since the first enduring architectural works were constructed (beginning with naturally shaped stones, eventually using carved stone blocks) is the event in the history and future of planet Earth in which space flight was invented.  Space flight permitted the survey of the nature of the World and of the Solar System.

Important determinations included the fact that what was subjectively known as the World in which human beings (as well as all other known animals and plants) lived, is the surface of a spherical planet which orbits a star.

Another important determination is that no other planet exists in the solar system that contains beings, creatures, or any other kind threat to Earth or its people, houses, farms and gardens, livestock,wild planets and animals, fishes or waters or air.

None of the imaginary gods and demons that were figments of bad dreams and superstition exist in or on planets which have atmospheres. Of course, this determination is still ongoing, although it looks like that will be the eventual totality of the outcome for the planets within the Solar System.  Instead, we have a real atmosphere and real oceans favorable to life in which rational and valuable spirituality can be cultivated in the grace of rational living thought.

Only one real, actual threat was found-collisions with the earth of rocks, of which the largest are called asteroids. These can be powerful and very destructive although their frequency is very low - only one significant asteroid collision per century is anticipated. Millions of small rocks fall as meteorites which only rarely cause any damage.

The event of the emergence of space flight by Earth is likely to be a relatively singular event, in the sense that after the current century, little space flight will occur because of its very great cost and the relatively insignificant rewards.

While a disappointment to adventurers who wanted to range far into distant star systems, it does not look like that kind of space travel is in the works during foreseeable thousands of years.

In any case, it is abiding work that must be considered something of a luxury in the face of pressing factors like population moderation and global health, environmental pollution and other difficult problems.

On the other hand, nothing that ever happened in human history can be proved impossible. Unfortunately that history is composed of both very good and very bad times. It is known that some wars were caused by the struggle to reach the Moon. Some weapons development was inspired by ideas that space monsters might be lurking on the dark side of the Moon, or in Mars or other planets.

Among those industries designed to support space flight for the exploration of the solar system, particularly to answer vital questions regarding the existence or non-existence of dangers from outside planet Earth, the most valuable, vital, sustaining and necessary production for that space flight is beginning to be distinct from the least valuable, most noxious, costly and offensive forms of production

None of ths weapons developed during the emergence of space flight were found useful for any purpose except for killing human beings and other living organisms here on Earth. This does not speak well for the popularity and relative sanctity of those engaged in weapons development. To be sure, it can be argued that they will be safe because they are the ones who have weapons and will use them.

Yet society is composed of many powers besides the power to invent and make weapons, and most of the other powers are engaged in peaceful pursuits, including the pursuit of better ways to get along together well. Judging by the historical record, Earth has a very long future, which can be measured in terms of millions of years and more. Possibly billions.

So we have a billion years (estimates range to 3 billion year) history; the six or seven thousand years of preparation and attainment of space flight, probably a century of busy space flight, and tens of millions of years in the future, during which on the average human society is going to be largely and generally peaceful.

Why not now?