Red planet hypothetical
January 31st, 2008 | 
(Hypothetical Thursday is much more fun if you leave a comment with your answer and reasoning and engage with other commenters as to why they are/aren’t insane for choosing their answer. Have at it!)
You have the opportunity to be the first human to live on Mars via a NASA-sponsored solo mission. You will be the first person to step onto the red surface of the fourth planet, while humanity watches the broadcast on television and the internet. The only requirement is that you must leave in six months and live on Mars for ten years, performing various scientific experiments and preparing things for the first multinational group of humans who will arrive immediately before you depart.
You will have contact with Earth while you’re there, and you’ll be able to have video conversations with friends and loved ones. Additionally, you’ll be an instant celebrity and your name will be written in the books of history.
If it was guaranteed that you would survive the mission and return to Earth in ten years in perfect health, would you agree to the mission?
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Nope, couldn’t do it. While being able to talk with friends and family would be nice, not getting to share in the emotions of ten years would be crazy. Seriously, friends would be married and with multiple kids by the time I would return. I think when I returned, even though I would be 33, I would still feel 23. Life would then forever be a catch up.
I would not go. Treasured memories are more valuable to me than my name forever being listed in history.
I couldn’t be alone for ten years or not have my grande non-fat peppermint mocha with no whipped creme.
I also don’t think celebrity status is everything most of us think it is. I am just fine with being remembered by my friends and family. I don’t need the history thing – I’ll let G.W.B. have that honor.
No. But there are a few people I would like to send though…