People make their own fates, and if enough of us make our fate to be space explorers, perhaps we can actually get some space exploration done.
Interpretation
Individuals have the power to shape their own destinies, especially in the context of space exploration.
In this quote, Robert Zubrin emphasizes the idea that collective human ambition can lead to significant achievements, particularly in the realm of space exploration. It suggests that when enough people share a dream of advancing into space, their collective efforts can turn that dream into reality, highlighting the importance of individual and communal determination in pursuing grand goals.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a speech at a science conference focusing on space exploration.
I don't know much about climate change. But I'm pretty sure we better figure out what to do to lessen its impact - at least its health impact - and that's not going to happen unless you have a lot of young talent interested in these topics.
So how can we test the idea that the transition from nonlife to life is simple enough to happen repeatedly? The most obvious and straightforward way is to search for a second form of life on Earth. No planet is more Earth-like than Earth itself, so if the path to life is easy, then life should have started up many times over right here.
Mathematics, in the development of its ideas, has only to take account of the immanent reality of its concepts and has absolutely no obligation to examine their transient reality.
Science is one thing, wisdom is another. Science is an edged tool, with which men play like children, and cut their own fingers. If you look at the results which science has brought in its train, you will find them to consist almost wholly in elements of mischief. See how much belongs to the word "Explosion" alone, of which the ancients knew nothing.
Understanding science and pushing the boundaries of science is what makes me immensely satisfied.
Strange as it may sound, the power of mathematics rests on its evasion of all unnecessary thought and on its wonderful saving of mental operations.
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