Here is my theory,
Once we get to Mars, we can start to colonize it.
Once we colonize Mars, we can move on to other parts of the universe.
Once we get to other parts of the universe, we can escape the pending self-destruction of the sun, and destruction of the Solar System.
If we do not move off of Earth in the next five billion years (yes it does sound like a long time now, but still, it will happen eventually), the human race will go extinct.
If we do not want to go extinct, we have to colonize other planets, that starts with Mars.
Once we get to Mars, we can start to colonize it.
Once we colonize Mars, we can move on to other parts of the universe.
Once we get to other parts of the universe, we can escape the pending self-destruction of the sun, and destruction of the Solar System.
If we do not move off of Earth in the next five billion years (yes it does sound like a long time now, but still, it will happen eventually), the human race will go extinct.
If we do not want to go extinct, we have to colonize other planets, that starts with Mars.