In the book "Packing for Mars," author Mary Roach discusses the allocation of government funds, questioning whether saving money through policies like redlining truly benefits society. She expresses skepticism about whether these funds would actually be redirected toward meaningful causes such as education and cancer research, suggesting that historically, such savings have often been wasted instead.

Roach proposes that instead of conserving these funds, society might as well invest them in space exploration, specifically on missions to Mars. Her invitation to "squander" money on such pursuits emphasizes a desire for adventure and exploration, promoting a perspective that prioritizes playfulness and curiosity over conventional financial prudence.