This post is a part of a series called The Roboticist’s Library, where I talk about books that have made me a better roboticist.

Early June 2021 saw me downloading Kim Stanley Robinson’s Red Mars to my Kindle. I was sitting in the only restaurant open in the Pittsburgh airport, preparing to board a flight that would eventually land us in Munich, Germany for work. Over the course of the flight I could not put my tablet down as I was struck by the strong personalities of Red Mars. The novel follows a group of scientists and engineers as they embark on a mission to colonize Mars and build a new society on the planet.

One of the main characters, John Boone, is a charismatic and adventurous leader who is willing to take risks in pursuit of his goals. This reminded me of the startup founders I work with, who often possess a similar combination of passion, vision, and fearlessness.

Another character, Maya Toitovna, is a brilliant engineer who is fiercely independent and determined to achieve her own goals. Her fierce dedication to her work and her unwillingness to compromise her principles reminded me of the many talented engineers and developers I've worked with at startups who are similarly committed to their own visions and ideals.

Despite their differences, the characters in Red Mars all share a common goal: to build a new world on a distant planet. This shared purpose, along with their individual strengths and weaknesses, make for a compelling and thought-provoking read that has stayed with me long after I finished the book.

Set in the near future I was particularly drawn to the novel's exploration of the potential for human colonization of Mars. The book offers a detailed look at the technology and engineering required for such a mission, including terraforming and the creation of self-sustaining habitats. Robinson's attention to detail in describing the challenges and solutions involved in terraforming a planet is inspiring to me as someone working in the field of robotics, where problem-solving and innovation are key to success.

Additionally, the book raises important questions about the ethics of colonizing a new planet and the responsibility that comes with being the first humans to set foot on a new world. This aspect of the novel has parallels to the ethical considerations involved in developing and deploying robots in real-world situations. As we design and build machines that are increasingly sophisticated and autonomous, we must grapple with questions of accountability and responsibility, just as the characters in Red Mars must consider the implications of their actions on the future of Mars and its potential inhabitants.

Overall, I think that Red Mars is an excellent choice for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of science, technology, and human nature. The novel raises important questions about the ethics of colonization and the impact of technology on society, and its characters serve as a reminder of the power of strong personalities to shape our world.