Why do we capital-N Nerds love Mars so much? Because it's beautiful, it's tough, it's buried in our mythic, childhood memories. It's covered with human triumphs but also with sad stories of failure.
The quote highlights the fascination with Mars, a planet that embodies human triumphs and failures, making it a symbol of our collective aspirations and disappointments.
The quote conveys the sense of awe and wonder that Mars inspires, as well as the emotional connection people have with the planet's beauty, toughness, and mythic significance.
The quote likely draws from the cultural and scientific fascination with Mars, which has been a recurring theme in human exploration and imagination, from ancient civilizations to modern space programs.
Greg Bear is a science fiction author known for his imaginative and thought-provoking works, often exploring the intersection of science, technology, and human experience.