re: Colonizing Mars- really what’s the point?

Humans are not even close to being a Type I civilization, yet we already have quite a few necessary minerals that are classified as "scarce". In order to progress to Type I and beyond, we have to seek out resources throughout the solar system. This begins with the Moon (which should be getting more emphasis) and Mars. Mars, while not naturally viable for humans, is adaptable, unlike Venus, which is far too hot. Mars will also serve as a jumping off point for accessing Jupiter and Saturn's moons. It would also be a base for accessing the massive amounts of raw materials in the Asteroid Belt.

What is fascinating is that humans born on the Moon or Mars could never actually live on Earth. Their bodies would develop in low gravity. They would be lighter and less muscular than Earth humans. Even blood pressure would be significantly reduced, and Earth gravity would cause blackouts and other symptoms of low blood pressure. Within as little as one generation, you would see true "Martians" or "Lunarians" develop.