Are we alone?

[lunadelcorvo]

[Error: unknown template qotd]Given the vastness of the universe, and the sheer unlikeliness of our existence on this small, insignificant speck of rock out on the universal hinterlands, I think it is both improbable and arrogant to assume we are the only living beings out here. However, I also think we require a vastly more open perspective on what 'life' is. The chances that other life forms would be anything we might recognize as such are almost as slim as there being no other life at all.

That said, no, I don't think we have established with any certainty that we have yet found evidence of such life, either here visiting or elsewhere. I admit there are things we don't know how to explain, but I (personally) am leery of drawing conclusions; we just don't know. I'd rather say I don't know that claim I do (based on cultural perceptions & biases) and be proven wrong, or worse, let my claims blind me to clues that might point to a different answer.

So, yes I believe it is likely there is other life out there, but no, I don't believe in UFOs per se, because I do rely on empirical proof.

Comments

[lucretiasheart.livejournal.com]

I see 2 huge problems with the empirical proof part. Wait-- make that 3.

Personally, I've had my empirical proof. The first problem is that it's so transient that "catching" it with witnesses and physical traces is difficult.

But more generally, the second problem is that any intelligent life that may be visiting us seems hellbent on not cooperating with that "leaving proof" thing-- and that may not be accidental.

Finally, because of the severe bias against the mere possibility that WE could actually be visited by intelligent life from elsewhere-- even the proof that IS found... is ignored. One of the biggest problems those who come into contact with this intelligent life and get proof (stuff from ships, implants left in bodies, etc.) is that NO scientist will DARE to look at it due to fear of their careers being utterly ruined for EVEN LOOKING. Not kidding.

So-- I think to get past those "empirical proof" blocks we'll need something big that's both publicly shared and undeniable. Which, to the minds of most, means a "show" apparently. An actual alien, dead or alive, would help. A ship that lands in the middle of a city. That type of thing.

I don't blame you, though, for holding the opinion you do. It would be mine had I not had so many encounters of my own (with, at least once, physical proof-- that I didn't show to anyone, as MY life and privacy were more important than facing a hostile public/scientific community!)