In this presentation, I took a step back to explore the process of settling a new colony, a big-picture discussion of the colonies we’ve discussed through the lens of 20th Century research on settlement requirements and dynamics.
It should surprise no one that a huge factor in success vs. failure deals with psychology and settler mental health, but it is an angle that’s been oft overlooked in those early histories. Though rarely intentionally, successful colonies better addressed settlers psychological needs, like companionship and familiarity.
It also raises the question of whether modern plans to colonize Mars are likely to do better. (spoiler alert: they’re not)
Transcript
Coming soon*!
*ish