Beyond Linear Boundaries: Charting Humanity's Future as a Multiplanetary Species
In the embrace of non-linearity, we transcend the bounds of science fiction, charting a future bound solely by imagination.
In the ancient empire of Kublai Khan, we're confronted with a reality where the sheer vastness of his dominion posed a challenge even to the great ruler himself. It was a realm so expansive that he found himself constrained by the impossibility of exploring every corner. To truly grasp the expanse of his empire, Kublai Khan relied on the meticulously detailed descriptions provided by travelers like Marco Polo. This sprawling empire stretched over 9,500 kilometers, a distance that demanded months of arduous journey to be fully comprehended. In an era where life expectancy barely reached three or four decades, each new frontier explored became a poignant testament to valor and audacity.
Source: James Eagle.
Today, in our pursuit to conquer other planets, we face challenges of equally monumental proportions. The technology of SpaceX and its Falcon 9 rocket offer us the tantalizing prospect of surpassing incredible speeds, exceeding 32,400 kilometers per hour – roughly 3.4 times the expanse of the great Khan's empire in just an hour. However, it's vital to recognize that sheer velocity alone doesn't ensure our triumph in the quest for space.
Our current life expectancy has doubled compared to the era of the great Khan, thanks to advancements in biotechnology that hint at the potential of living beyond 100 years. This prolonged lifespan presents us with a fresh perspective, one where we must carefully consider our ambitions and confront our challenges head-on.
To establish sustainable colonies on distant worlds like the Moon or Mars, we must transcend the confines of traditional agricultural practices. It's imperative that we develop and leverage technologies capable of efficiently and reliably sustaining the inhabitants of these future cities. Thankfully, at this juncture in our history, these technologies are beginning to emerge.
Precision fermentation, though still in its nascent stages, holds promise in transforming our civilization. By harnessing controlled and precise fermentation processes, we can cultivate animal protein, a breakthrough with the potential not only to address global warming but also to empower us as a multiplanetary civilization.
So, who will be the modern-day Marco Polos of this new space race? They'll be the intrepid explorers who, like Marco Polo before them, venture into the unknown, providing detailed descriptions and inspiring visions of the worlds awaiting discovery. They'll embody the courage to challenge the status quo and chart new horizons for humanity.
In a world where linear thinking falls short, embracing non-linearity can lead us beyond the realms of science fiction into a future limited only by imagination.
Guillermo Valencia A
Cofounder of Macrowise.
Mexico City, April 9th , 2024