Imagine with me, if you will, a hypothetical situation in which humanity had discovered a habitable planet not too far away, and had the technology to reach it. Suddenly, a call goes out to anyone willing to join the multi-national initiative to claim the planet in the name of the human race, and settle there. If you join, you will be allowed to bring your immediate family with you, if you so desire, and will be sent on your way fairly soon.
Be warned however, the journey will last for years, and could prove a disaster through any number of mechanical failures. Food, water, and means of entertainment will be provided on the journey, but it will be by no means comfortable, with cramped living conditions and possible medical problems arising from prolonged periods of time spent in a low-gravity environment. In addition, you will only be allowed a very limited amount of possessions to bring with you on your journey, as the ship you're using has a strict weight limit. And most importantly, there's no going back. Once you leave, the ship cannot and will not turn back for any reason, so it will be a one-way trip.
Like the Oregon Trail, however, if you reach your destination safely, you will be justly rewarded. Since the planet is uninhabited, you can stake a claim to any lands you please, so long as you can maintain them and stay within the bounds of the colonial government's laws. You have the opportunity to gain incredible wealth and social prestige by being one of the first to arrive, as well as the once in a life-time chance to see an entirely new world.
So the question is: would you accept this opportunity? Would you give up everything you have on Earth and risk your life to start again somewhere else, knowing full well that it is entirely possible that you will die doing so? Do you think it would be worth it?
Be warned however, the journey will last for years, and could prove a disaster through any number of mechanical failures. Food, water, and means of entertainment will be provided on the journey, but it will be by no means comfortable, with cramped living conditions and possible medical problems arising from prolonged periods of time spent in a low-gravity environment. In addition, you will only be allowed a very limited amount of possessions to bring with you on your journey, as the ship you're using has a strict weight limit. And most importantly, there's no going back. Once you leave, the ship cannot and will not turn back for any reason, so it will be a one-way trip.
Like the Oregon Trail, however, if you reach your destination safely, you will be justly rewarded. Since the planet is uninhabited, you can stake a claim to any lands you please, so long as you can maintain them and stay within the bounds of the colonial government's laws. You have the opportunity to gain incredible wealth and social prestige by being one of the first to arrive, as well as the once in a life-time chance to see an entirely new world.
So the question is: would you accept this opportunity? Would you give up everything you have on Earth and risk your life to start again somewhere else, knowing full well that it is entirely possible that you will die doing so? Do you think it would be worth it?
