Ricky Gervais, a comedian and writer, discusses the viability of space travel and the potential of Mars. They explore the challenges of settling on Mars, the possibility of creating an atmosphere through nuclear warheads, and express skepticism about space tourism.
The feasibility of leaving Earth for another planet like Mars is questioned due to the extreme conditions and challenges that would make human survival difficult.
Despite the allure of space and space travel, the uniqueness and comfort of Earth make it an unparalleled place to exist.
Deep dives
The Illusion of Space Travel as a Back-up Plan
The podcast explores the notion of using space travel as a last resort for humanity when faced with the irreversible damage caused to Earth. The speaker expresses skepticism about the feasibility of leaving Earth and starting afresh on another planet, emphasizing that Mars seems to be the only viable option due to its proximity. However, the conditions on Mars, such as the lack of atmosphere and extreme temperatures, present significant challenges that would make it difficult for human survival. The idea of detonating nuclear warheads in the Martian crust to create an atmosphere and initiate global warming is mentioned, but its practicality is questioned. Ultimately, the speaker suggests that space travel, including space tourism, may be entertaining for the wealthy few, but it cannot truly replace the unique qualities and amenities that Earth offers.
The Value of Earth in the Context of Space
In this episode, the speaker highlights the irony of seeking to leave Earth in search of space when Earth itself is already located in space. The speaker offers a perspective that Earth is the 'best bit of space' as it provides various conveniences like car parks and cinemas. They dismiss the idea of space tourism, where individuals pay a substantial amount to experience space travel for a short period, by emphasizing that Earth offers a far richer and diverse range of experiences. The notion of exploring other parts of space, akin to wondering about a city like Coventry while living in London, is also dismissed. The speaker humorously underscores that, despite the allure of space and space travel, the uniqueness and comfort of Earth make it an unparalleled place to exist.
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Exploring the Viability of Space Travel and the Potential of Mars
Ricky Gervais jokes about space travel in his Netflix special, "Armageddon" only on Netflix. Follow us @NetflixIsAJoke on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
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