https://instapundit.substack.com/p/run-silent-run-very-very-deep

Most cutting edge technology starts out as a rich man’s toy. Automobiles, passenger airplanes, VCRs, etc. all started out that way. Letting rich people buy the tech drives the technology and pushes prices down over time so that ordinary people can afford it.

I don’t think ordinary people will ever be interested in doing miles-deep dives, but improved subsea technology is a very big deal. We often hear about how unexplored the deep ocean depths are, and there’s a reason for that – we aren’t very good at it yet. We get better at it by doing it. We can do it more if people are willing and able to pay for it.

The same is true with the various space tourism efforts. Sure, it’s mostly rich people buying a thrill. But by doing so they open up the technology for the rest of us. Unlike the test pilots, they aren’t doing it for a living; they’re doing it out of love, and even paying for the privilege. That seems commendable to me. //

Cleetus | June 29, 2023 at 7:37 am
There is a disease of arrogance that seems to infect virtually everything today. Everybody is an expert while true experts and experience are treated with disdain. People claim expertise based simply on their race or gender when, in reality, they know little. Rigor in education and training is longer valued lest we hurt people’s feelings.. In this case, people with this attitude were rewarded with death. This should be a wake up call. How much longer are we going to allow this disrespect for reality interfere with just about every aspect of our lives?