The drive for novelty and exploration is deeply rooted in the human psyche. So it really isn't that surprising at all. As a plus, tons of beneficial technology

The drive for novelty and exploration is deeply rooted in the human psyche. So it really isn't that surprising at all. As a plus, tons of beneficial technology and research directly resulted from previous efforts in space. It seems highly likely this would also be the case for efforts to get to Mars or any other space exploration programs. I think the strongest case against Mars is simply that we should do it, but not now, and instead in several decades. However, my guess is that we have capability to do it now, in an effective manner and for a reasonable cost. Someone has to pave the way for humanity to spread out into solar system. It will certainly happen in the coming centuries, one way or another. The incredibly rich energy sources available are by themselves such a compelling reason that I think it is inevitable. Of course, assuming some sort of terrible catastrophe of our own making doesn't set us back a few thousand years...