ecological-balance
The principle that human activity on Mars must maintain or exceed a balance in the ecosystem, akin to an 'anti-entropic surge' that sustains creative life.
2 chapters across 2 books
Red Mars (1992)Kim Stanley Robinson
The chapter depicts a celebratory moment on Mars following a spectacular meteor event, where John Boone delivers an impromptu speech reflecting on the challenges and responsibilities of colonizing Mars. He emphasizes the need to create a new social order that is uniquely Martian, balancing ecological and social concerns while confronting global political conflicts. The chapter culminates in a communal celebration symbolizing hope, unity, and the ongoing struggle to build a sustainable future on Mars.
To Your Scattered Bodies Go (1971)Philip Jose Farmer
In this chapter, Burton and his crew complete the construction and launch of their bamboo boat, the Hadji, to journey upriver in the mysterious world they find themselves in. The narrative explores the cultural and temporal diversity of the resurrected humans along the riverbanks, the constraints on reproduction, and the ecological balance maintained by the river's fauna. The chapter also reflects on the newfound freedom from earthly constraints and the philosophical implications of their situation.