Movies

"Work the Problem": Returning to The Martian Ten Years Later

How Andy Weir's sci-fi masterpiece continues to inspire a sense of wonder, practical problem-solving, and a vision for space exploration beyond the profit motive.

Odin Halvorson

24 Feb 2026 — 3 min read

Photo by Nicolas Lobos / Unsplash

I've always been fascinated by space. Even before I watched Star Trek as a kid, I loved looking up at the night sky and seeing this vast panoply of ancient lights looking down upon me. And then, of course, Captain Picard's sonorous tones declaring space "the final frontier" enraptured me still further.

So naturally, whenever science fiction movies come out, I am first in line to take them in. Frequently, I feel a little disappointed in the offerings. But every once in a while, there is a film that I like so much, I am happy to return to it every year or two for a rewatch.

The Martian is exactly that kind of film.

Not only is Matt Damon absolutely splendid in the role of an isolated astronaut surviving on rations of potatoes dipped in crushed Vicodin, but the overall pacing, tone, and quality of the film are simply superb.

Science, Fiction, and Free Advertising

Regardless of whether or not every single piece of the science holds up perfectly (we actually know more about Mars now than we did when Andy Weir first wrote the book) the fundamentals underlying the story are sound enough for the purpose of scientific exploration and imagination.

Of course, one of the best things about films like this is that they help connect ordinary folks with the world of science in a very exciting and intimate way. Films like this are essentially free advertising for NASA, and I support that wholeheartedly.

What we desperately need right now are national space programs devoid of the profit incentive. Turning the cosmos into a billionaire's playground is simply a terrible way to run a space organization.... We need exploration driven by human curiosity and collective achievement, which is exactly the spirit The Martian captures so brilliantly.

The Philosophy of Survival

What I love most about The Martian is its core message. That, when you face a trial in life, you really only have a single choice with two possible outcomes: you either do something, or you sit there and do nothing.

So often in life, it is incredibly easy to sit back, to do nothing, and to let yourself go. It's easy to feel as if the world is caving in upon you, and you have no options remaining. In those overwhelming moments, I would recommend remembering Mark Watney and the advice he gives to the next generation of astronauts at the end of the film.

When you encounter a problem, you don't panic.

You just work the problem.

You solve the one right in front of you.

And then you solve the next one, and the next one.

"You just begin. You do the math. You solve one problem... and you solve the next one... and then the next. And if you solve enough problems, you get to come home."

As we approach the release of the film adaptation of Project Hail Mary (another excellent Andy Weir science fiction story!) I think it's incredibly worthwhile to dig back into The Martian. It holds up not just as an excellent cinematic experience, but as a deeply practical philosophy for navigating whatever hostile environments we find ourselves in.

I’m Odin Halvorson, a librarian, life coach, and fiction author. If you like my work and want to support what we do here at Unenlightened Generalists, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to our newsletter for as little as $2.50 a month!

Support us in other ways: