Oh, it’s pessimism. Look at it this way: why is using advanced thinking always scoffed-at for solving human problems, but is easily embraced for solving technology problems? For over a hundred thousand years we have had easy access to new real estate, which expanded not just physical horizons, but also technology. We are freshly out of real estate for expansion now, so why not direct advanced thinking in other areas? We just need to change our perspective and look inward (as I said before, not as much fun as looking outward).
I agree we will (and should, IMHO) see underwater colonies sooner than on Mars.
And, I think people who have signed-up for that one-way trip to Mars do not at all have an idea of the reality of space travel and life. They see Star Trek and think it will be just like that fantasy. There is a reason it is called science “fiction”.
No, folks, we are not going anywhere to save ourselves. All the answers and resources we need to continue on exist right here. We may continue to soil the nest, and we could be wiped-out by some cosmic danger, true. But the fantasy of space travel as depicted by Hollywood is not going to happen in time to save us.