Steven Wolfe

Recent writings by Steven Wolfe

Space Settlement: The Journey Inward, paper presented at the National Space Society's International Space Development Conference, Oklahoma City, Ok, May 29, 2004. From the paper:

"This way of looking at the human condition in relation to the home planet can be very challenging because it requires a degree of humility that puts us more in the role of dutiful servant than of the intrepid explorer and pioneer. But, if we can consider embracing this perspective, we will be in a much more mature position to actually succeed in the goal of space settlement.

...In this final stage of evolving to a multi-planetary species...it is us who must now consciously choose to take this enormous next step. The unconscious march of evolution is simply not enough to carry this transformation through to completion. We have to step up and consciously take part in the process."

Space Settlement: The Journey Inward, Ad Astra, Jan/Feb/Mar 2004, a publication of the National Space Society. From the article:

"Remember, the space settlement dream was born in you so that you would strive for its fulfillment in this generation, not defer it to the next. It was, and is, a call to you to take some action in this lifetime; and if you are not meant to see it through to completion, than you must at least lay a foundation on which those who will follow can build."

Space Settlement Is Why, Commentary, Space News March 1, 2004. From the article:

"Space settlement is not... a retro fad from the 1970’s. Though it might seem to some that space settlement was a mere cultural blip a quarter century ago, in the hearts of many it never stopped being a vibrant goal. Allowing that goal to be a spoken desire can serve to expedite the President’s near-term Moon and Mars initiatives, as well as shorten the time to when the promise of space settlement itself is fulfilled."

Building a Space Settlement Constituency, Commentary, Space News July 7, 2003. From the article: 

"To renew and strengthen our resolve, I suggest that settlement visionaries first step back and deeply reflect on why it is we are so impassioned about human evolution into space. If we engage in this inquiry sincerely, we will eventually come to a place within ourselves that is the source of inspiration calling us to pursue the settlement dream. From that place we will have access to all the strength and wisdom we need to succeed in this all-important mission. Also in this place, if we can get there, we will recognize the awesome responsibility that is in our hands and that in this effort we must not fail."

Humankind: GAIA's Johnny Appleseed, Space Front, June 2003, a publication of the Space Frontier Foundation. From the article:

"Amazingly, ... an agent of Gaia’s reproduction has emerged—and it is us. Were we destined for this purpose from the dawn of time, or did evolution make it all up as it went along? We may never know the answer. What is clear is that the evolutionary demand to spread life outward is at work, and humankind, by happenstance or design, is in a position to fulfill that demand. 

We are not much different from the bumble bee. Bees take what they need from flowers, and in return, assist in the reproductive process of the flower. This is our relationship with Gaia. Yet, to date we have only taken from her as we have evolved our mental and technical capacity. Now that we have reached maturity, it is time for us to give back and fulfill the responsibility that was cast for us the day humankind first appeared on the plains of Africa. "

Appearances on The Space Show. Click on link to access a list of archived programs.

Space Quotes to Ponder, A wonderful page created by author Sylvia Engdahl, who was gracious enough to include several of my quotes.