Better politics . New ideas are the bane of the established order, as the ideas of John Locke were to the European power structure of the 18th century. It took a frontier to create the kind of representative democracy much of the world now enjoys. It takes a frontier to sustain it. And it will take a frontier to facilitate the next step to a pure democracy, in which the individual exercises greater authority and assumes greater responsibility.
Pure science collects a windfall.
Cheaper, better and faster exploration of deep space by robots manufactured in, and launched from, the moon's orbit. They could be simpler, more reliable, but also larger and more capable than earth-built probes because they would not have to withstand the rigors or a launching from earth. Yet they would be inexpensive because hardening for a rocket launch and the launch itself are the major costs of robotic space exploration. A jumping-off place for the exploration and colonization of the more remote spots in the solar system, including Mars, the asteroid belt and the moons of Jupiter. Finally, and most importantly, our cities in the sky will offer new opportunities, or a second chance, for individuals like you.