goroth wrote:We have no significance.
Posted as a link because massive picture is better than little clipped thing.
http://www.exquisiteartz.co.uk/ekmps/shops/exquisiteartz/images/carl-sagan-quote-the-pale-blue-dot.-space-print-poster-canvas.-sizes-a1-a2-a3-a4-3813-p.jpg
Iommic Pope wrote:Yeah, I get that, but we're all we have AT THE MOMENT.
It'd be really nice to get the species to the point where we can hop around the galaxy and introduce ourselves to others AND NOT HAVE THEM PUT THE NICE CUTLERY AWAY.
It's true that in the context of the universe, nothing we do could possibly matter. But I'm reminded of Gandhi's philosophical quote, "Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it's very important that you do it." And yes, it would be nice if we could evolve to a higher state of intelligence and consciousness. Unfortunately, greed and ego hold us back.
rustywire wrote:Humanity in its present form is too immature & unworthy of venturing outside this planet. If intelligent aliens are among us, you can be certain they are working behind the scenes to keep us here before we're ready for the next level of civilization. Otherwise it would be like the wild west/frontier life in a mad quest for smash & grab throughout the solar system & beyond. The people who are capable of true empathy would not be near the front of the line to take that next step.
Throughout our history, most of our conflicts have been driven by competition for resources. I think how peaceful or warlike alien civilizations are could depend on how readily they can access whatever resources they want and desire. The more limited their access to resources, the more hostile they might be.