The tech conference currently running in Austin this week involved a surprise guest.
When Elon Musk walks on the stage at a tech conference, the first thing you do is grab your phone and start livestreaming. The second thing you do is write an article about it.
The famous entrepreneur, who has made many bold claims about the future of humanity in the past, called on other innovators to figure out how to save us all. He mentioned how the famous Russian rocket scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky once called Earth the cradle of humanity but that the cradle might not last forever unless we do something to save it.
Of course, Musk has a solution, and it might require your participation.
During his stage talk, which was really meant as an add-on at the end of a panel discussing the show Westworld, Musk spoke in a halted way, perhaps because he is passionate about the topic or maybe a little exasperated.
He explained how a Mars colony would be a much better option for saving humanity in the event of a apocalyptic disaster. He’s spoken about this topic before, usually hinting at how AI could destroy us if left to its own devices.
What was most interesting is that he suggested how it will be inspiration that drives us forward, which is where entrepreneurs come into play.
Ingenuity, excitement, and innovation can be the catalysts that help us figure out how to go beyond our solar system (finally). As Musk explained, we can go “beyond the stars” but it will take take a colossal group effort. “Life cannot just be about solving one miserable thing after another,” he said from stage. “That can’t be the only thing. They need to be things that inspire you, that make you glad to wake up in the morning and be part of humanity. That makes me glad to be alive. I hope you feel the same way.”
Two Instagram videos followed, showing the Falcon Heavy launch and the Starman project, which involved sending a Tesla Roadster into space piloted by a mannequin.
