How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
People have speculated on how to make crop soil out of Martian dirt for decades. I'll just be putting it to the test for the first time. (2.46)
That's a tall order. Learning how to farm was an important step in the development of civilization, and now Mark is trying to make the leap all by himself. If he can do it, he'll be one step closer to taming this barren Martian wasteland.
Quote #2
This sort of farming [...] would turn their land into a dust bowl within twelve years. It's not sustainable. But who cares? I just need to survive for four years. (3.17)
At this point, Mark just wants to survive. Maybe the work he's doing now will set the stage for future human colonization of Mars, creating the guidebook that later explorers will follow. That would actually be pretty awesome. Still, Mark has no desire to stay on Mars any longer than he has to.
Quote #3
I'm no stranger to Mars [...] But I've never been out of sight of the Hab before today. You wouldn't think that would make a difference, but it does. (7.100)
Mark never gets used to life on Mars. The Hab helps him stay sane, providing him a small connection with his life back on Earth, but even that is fleeting. Sooner or later, Mark is going to need to explore more of the Martian surface—that is, if he's up to the challenge.