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perilous1's review
4.0
In using this book for research purposes, I've been delighted with the wealth of practical information it offers. The Case For Mars is a history lesson, a speculative thesis, a business proposal, and a visionary rally cry—all in one.
The author lays his foundation on some of the more relevant origins of humanity's relationship with astronomy, astrophysics, and the planet Mars—managing accuracy without any petty attempts to pit science against religion or vice versa. The background he provided on Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe was actually more interesting than a lot of his introductory material, in this reader's opinion.
“Geometry is one and eternal, a reflection out of the mind of God. That mankind shares in it is one of the reasons to call man an image of God.” --Johannes Kepler
He also walks us through some of the more famous expeditions—dissecting the grand successes and horrendous disasters—and then paralleling them to how we ought to approach the exploration and eventual settlement of the red planet. His underlying point in all this is that the wisest (and most cost-effective) course of action would be to 'go native', taking with us only minimal provisions and focusing on all possible means of 'living off the land'. He goes so far as to assert: "If necessity is the mother of invention, Mars will provide the cradle.”
The author seems to feel strongly that the search for life on Mars is of the utmost importance to any potential manned missions. But while I didn't feel like he made a strong enough case for that particular pet point, I did feel his arguments for regarding Mars as the next logical 'frontier' for humanity were more than enthralling. His economic, historical, and sociological points are sound—to the point where this reader, by the end of the book, has transitioned from being generally indifferent to a cautious-yet-excited proponent of Martian expeditions with the eventual goal of colonization, terraforming, etc.
Zubrin's writing style is precise and comprehensive without being dry, and compelling without coming across as intellectually superior. In all, this is a fascinating read for anyone who is interested in Mars, the potential future of extra-terrestrial settlement, or how NASA works (or in some cases, doesn't work).
Favorite quote:
“If the human mind can understand the universe, it means the human mind is fundamentally of the same order as the divine mind. If the human mind is of the same order as the divine mind, then everything that appeared rational to God as he constructed the universe, it's “geometry,” can also be made to appear rational to the human understanding, and so if we search and think hard enough, we can find a rational explanation and underpinning for everything. This is the fundamental proposition of science.” --Robert Zubrin
The author lays his foundation on some of the more relevant origins of humanity's relationship with astronomy, astrophysics, and the planet Mars—managing accuracy without any petty attempts to pit science against religion or vice versa. The background he provided on Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe was actually more interesting than a lot of his introductory material, in this reader's opinion.
“Geometry is one and eternal, a reflection out of the mind of God. That mankind shares in it is one of the reasons to call man an image of God.” --Johannes Kepler
He also walks us through some of the more famous expeditions—dissecting the grand successes and horrendous disasters—and then paralleling them to how we ought to approach the exploration and eventual settlement of the red planet. His underlying point in all this is that the wisest (and most cost-effective) course of action would be to 'go native', taking with us only minimal provisions and focusing on all possible means of 'living off the land'. He goes so far as to assert: "If necessity is the mother of invention, Mars will provide the cradle.”
The author seems to feel strongly that the search for life on Mars is of the utmost importance to any potential manned missions. But while I didn't feel like he made a strong enough case for that particular pet point, I did feel his arguments for regarding Mars as the next logical 'frontier' for humanity were more than enthralling. His economic, historical, and sociological points are sound—to the point where this reader, by the end of the book, has transitioned from being generally indifferent to a cautious-yet-excited proponent of Martian expeditions with the eventual goal of colonization, terraforming, etc.
Zubrin's writing style is precise and comprehensive without being dry, and compelling without coming across as intellectually superior. In all, this is a fascinating read for anyone who is interested in Mars, the potential future of extra-terrestrial settlement, or how NASA works (or in some cases, doesn't work).
Favorite quote:
“If the human mind can understand the universe, it means the human mind is fundamentally of the same order as the divine mind. If the human mind is of the same order as the divine mind, then everything that appeared rational to God as he constructed the universe, it's “geometry,” can also be made to appear rational to the human understanding, and so if we search and think hard enough, we can find a rational explanation and underpinning for everything. This is the fundamental proposition of science.” --Robert Zubrin
tramuntana's review
This must be the lengthiest pitch in the history of pitches. The writing is arrogant and condescending - towards both astronauts and readers - and the pompous phrasing makes it almost comical to read.
sfwordsofwonder's review
3.0
Very interesting plan and ideas, not sure it's held up over time and I know Zubrin has received a lot of criticism. I still enjoyed most of the book.
ph1lb's review
4.0
An interesting book outlining how we should be travelling to Mars with fairly established technology. At no time does he suggest leaving astronauts to die on Mars. Some parts were technically heavy going but the whole book made it sound very feasible and changed my view on the matter.
steelcitygator's review
3.0
This is a book of grand ambitions, about getting to Mars in 10 years and eventually it goes on to talk about colonization and terraforming. In this there are definitly times where the author takes on the brightest of views and uses rose tinted glasses. That being said the acual plans to get to Mars in 10 years without budget breaking costs is the hihglight of this books and makes up the first half of the book. The second half focuses more on other areas such as colonization and terraforming as well as realistic ways ot gather funding (which includes more ideas than give large sums of money to NASA which is appreciated as most places fail to suggest other options). The book definitly slows in places and can be tough to get through sections. I also did not personally pay muh attention to the more technical aspects though I appreciate they were included. Overall it gets you excited about the prospect of humanity entering a new age of exploration and makes you wonder why theyre has been such little effort from International Governments, their space organizations, and others in the community. Now that you see people like Elon Musk talking about Mars it lays forth a realistic plan to get their that gets you excited knowing its possible and that is where the book strives the most.
jzacsh's review
4.0
Not a thrilling book I'd recommend to just anyone, exactly. But still a great book if you're interested in space, space agencies' complexities, how politics play a part, and you're not afraid of science words :P