bootness
22 Jul 2010, 05:31 PM
From the news today, a discussion on how best to send out messages to aliens (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38349544/) in outer space.
I don't know about you, but I think it is optimistic (if not hopelessly naive) to beam messages into outer space and hope for contact.
We have to remember that while humans are a social species and enjoy the company of others, including our domesticated animals and others in nature, extraterrestrial species may not be this way. They might be more solitary (not interested in contact of any kind) more territorial or warlike (if we send messages, they will come and denude our planet of valuable resources) or more xenophobic (social among their own, but not interested in other species.) Granted, a solitary species is less likely to come up with the technology required for space travel, since it takes a lot of humans working together to achieve this. Then again, a very intelligent, long-lived creature might do it. It's impossible to know what variations are out there.
I do think caution is in order. Sending out postcards of our beautiful blue planet that say "Wish you were here" might invite some attention that we really don't want. I just remember a sign that was posted at the Oregon/California border: "Welcome to Oregon. Enjoy your visit, (but please don't stay.)" It did not work. :) Am I too paranoid?
I don't know about you, but I think it is optimistic (if not hopelessly naive) to beam messages into outer space and hope for contact.
We have to remember that while humans are a social species and enjoy the company of others, including our domesticated animals and others in nature, extraterrestrial species may not be this way. They might be more solitary (not interested in contact of any kind) more territorial or warlike (if we send messages, they will come and denude our planet of valuable resources) or more xenophobic (social among their own, but not interested in other species.) Granted, a solitary species is less likely to come up with the technology required for space travel, since it takes a lot of humans working together to achieve this. Then again, a very intelligent, long-lived creature might do it. It's impossible to know what variations are out there.
I do think caution is in order. Sending out postcards of our beautiful blue planet that say "Wish you were here" might invite some attention that we really don't want. I just remember a sign that was posted at the Oregon/California border: "Welcome to Oregon. Enjoy your visit, (but please don't stay.)" It did not work. :) Am I too paranoid?