We need to take command of the solar system to gain that wealth, and to escape the sea of paper our government is becoming, and for some decent chance of stopping a Dinosaur Killer asteroid.

In this quote, Larry Niven, a science fiction author, argues for the exploration and colonization of the solar system as a means to acquire immense wealth, alleviate the bureaucratic inefficiencies of government, and protect humanity from potential existential threats like asteroids. Niven suggests that humanity's future may lie in space, where the resources of the solar system could offer new opportunities for growth and prosperity. By "taking command" of space, Niven envisions a future where human civilization expands beyond Earth to become a spacefaring species, tapping into the untapped wealth of asteroids, planets, and other celestial bodies.

Niven’s comment also critiques the growing complexity and inefficiency of governments, which he compares to a “sea of paper”—an overwhelming system of bureaucracy that becomes increasingly difficult to navigate. He suggests that the expansion into space could provide a solution to this problem, offering a chance for a new frontier where human enterprise could thrive without being burdened by the administrative burdens of Earth-bound governance. This reflects a broader theme in Niven's work, where space exploration represents not just a technological advancement, but a way to escape the constraints of earthly institutions.

The mention of the "Dinosaur Killer asteroid" refers to the catastrophic asteroid impact that is believed to have caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs millions of years ago. Niven’s statement underscores the potential danger of asteroids that could threaten Earth in the future. He implies that space exploration is not only important for economic and political reasons, but also for the survival of humanity, as it may be necessary to defend the planet from existential threats like asteroids.

Ultimately, Niven’s quote advocates for space exploration as a necessary step toward ensuring human survival, expanding economic opportunities, and addressing the inefficiencies of earthly governance. It combines a vision of scientific advancement, economic growth, and planetary defense, with the idea that the future of humanity may depend on venturing beyond Earth and establishing a presence in the solar system.