Mars excites us because it represents arrival.

A first step.
A historic moment.

But arrival is not civilization.

Civilizations emerge from staying.

Survival vs Living

Technology can keep humans alive.

Living requires:

• rhythm

• routine

• meaning

• inefficiency

Mars will begin as a survival environment.
Turning it into a place worth living in is the real challenge.

No Exit Strategy

On Mars, there is no easy return.

This changes psychology fundamentally.

Every decision feels heavier when “going home” is not an option.

Routine as a Stressor

Routine stabilizes systems but stresses minds.

Without novelty, meaning must be constructed deliberately.

The Missing Infrastructure: Human Normality

Mars will lack:

• unplanned spaces

• useless time

• casual social friction

These are not luxuries.
They are requirements for long-term human life.

Permanence as a Test of Civilization

Mars will test whether humanity can export not just technology — but culture.