go to space?

Do we really need to go to other planets to ensure survival of the human race?

At first this seems like a ridiculous idea what with us not able to a good job here on the earth itself. And the minute you mention this possibility to someone, you either get a straight scoff out of them, or a convinced look that you have officially crossed the line and become a star trek nerd. But beyond what I would label as 'imaginatively constrained' minds, should we really think of pursuing this thought?

Steven Hawkins is convinced that this is needed. And the more I think about it, I do agree. And please do no consider it as a case of us leaving this planet after it has been trashed. When the early explorers started leaving well known lands and travelled by foot, horses, boats to places unknown, I am sure they were thought to be very stupid too.

Exploration is one of the main reasons that mankind has evolved so much. The more places you go to, the more you learn, the more you see, the more ideas you get... and all that. But some times ideas from you own home come along with you... like money.