MANY of us grew up in a world where the idea of personal computers was science fiction fantasy.

Then came the home computer and the next generation grew up unable to imagine a world without computers.

If a recently announced plan for a permanent base on Mars goes ahead, the next generation will grow up in a world with people living on another planet.

My parents’ generation saw men land on the moon and, since then, we’ve seen the wonders of the Hubble telescope and know of planets existing beyond our solar system.

But within ten years we could all witness the human race leaving our Earthly bounds, going beyond the moon and taking the first steps which may see our species spreading throughout the galaxy.

Realizing this puts into perspective how petty our squabbles really are. Sometimes people need to stop, pause, look at a bigger picture and consider how lucky we are to be alive during this period of history.

CT Riley, Spennymoor