A New World Awaits: Leaving Earth Behind

Human beings are explorers. When God created us, it seems he added sprinkles of curiosity to make sure we constantly look beyond what we already have. It is this curiosity that has made many humans, especially scientists, look beyond life on earth. Earth is our home. It is not only where we were born, it is also where we will live for the rest of our lives. Currently, I’m sure more than 95 percent of the world’s population have never set foot outside Earth. However, there are those whose curiosity is higher than others. They ask themselves questions like this; what if there is life outside earth? What if there’s a planet where humans can relocate to and start another life? I’m sure this is what constantly goes through great minds like that of Elon Musk.

I don’t know much about space explorations, but thanks to the movies I have seen and things I have read, I know a few things. For years, earth was the only habitable place for humans. In the many space exploration movies I have seen, humans would venture into other planets, but they still would need to put their gears on, this is because the environment of that planet is not conducive and our bodies are not wired to survive in that environment. However, in recent years, thanks to technological advancements, scientists and explorers are starting to study a planet that could be conducive for humans; Mars.

Now, here’s an interesting question; imagine that scientists have discovered another habitable planet out there, would you be willing to abandon your life and relocate there? You wake up one morning, turn on the news only for you to see that scientists have built new houses with the necessary equipment and resources for survival, and what’s more is that you don’t need to pay a dime. All you need to do is tell the authorities that you are interested and they will come to pick you up. Would you do this?

EARTH

Earth is our home. Even though many of us do things to destroy Earth, we still consider it our home. If anything, I love exploring. I like trying out new things and going to new places. When I finally have the resources, one of my dreams is to travel across the world, experiencing different cultures and taking pictures in different places. I would love to travel to Japan and enjoy the best time of my life. Traveling to other countries within Earth sounds nice and fun, but on the other hand, relocating to another planet sounds extreme.

What if something goes wrong? Think about it, anything can go wrong. What if the air on that new planet becomes poisonous? What if a new species that is more powerful than humans starts to attack? And what if guns and weapons don’t even work on them? Earth on the other hand is a planet we know like the back of our hand. Centuries ago, our forefathers walked on the same path that we are walking. There has been much research conducted by experts on Earth. Even with this, some things still happen that are not explainable; like earthquakes and outbreaks of diseases, and most times, they are beyond our control until we find a cure.

Earth, a place that we have known since our birth, still gives us problems sometimes, now, imagine what could happen on a new planet. As much as I like exploring, I definitely would sit this one out. Not because I don’t want to see how life is in other places, but because staying here is safer and I’m comfortable with it.

THE STRESS THAT COMES WITH IT

Let's even assume that scientists have discovered another planet that's completely safe for humans. What about the physical and mental stress that comes with relocating? I don't know how it works for everyone else, but personally, I find it troubling to relocate after spending many years in one place. Of course, we might not need to take our belongings with us from Earth, but the stress and emotional pain of leaving behind familiar surroundings, memories, and loved ones would still be significant.

I have spent all my life on earth. I enjoy the sight of flowers, I enjoy the view of the beach, I enjoy the fresh air on beautiful mornings, and the chirping of birds. I’ll choose to remain here on earth.

Images in this post are mine.

Thanks for reading.