Just read a good book about this. Say we got a signal from an intelligent life form. Who's to say whether or not it's a lure of some sort or really the hand of friendship?
Maybe the life form wants to know whether or not we've reached the technological level where we could become a threat in the next few hundred years. Answering the message would confirm that we've reached that state and could perhaps trigger a BAD response!
Then again....perhaps this life form could really benefit mankind by sharing their technology with us and helping us forward.
Suppose YOU had to make the choice.....Would you reply to the signal or not???
And let us know the reason for your decision.
2006-10-15 07:30:39 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
Most people don't stop to think about the implications of this, and I applaud you for thinking critically about it.
Thinking about it logically, if they *were* hostile, they would most likely want to destroy us either way. Since we are 100% certain that no life forms capable of emitting radio signals exist on planets within about a 100 light year radius (since I don't even think there are any planets outside our solar system within that radius), they would have to come from a planet extremely far away, even by interstellar standards. Whether we responded to the message or not, we would likely have reached the "threat" technological level by the time they arrive. Even more importantly, one could assume that, if they have the technology to get here in the first place, then they probably have weapons technology beyond our military leaders' wildest dreams.
Having said all that, the motivation for traveling hundreds of light years simply to eradicate/subjugate/enslave (pick one) a random sentient race (us) seems dubious. I realize that there are humans who would do that, but they tend to be irrational, and irrational beings would most likely not be capable of interstellar travel.
In the end, I would reply, because I am an optimist. I believe that the human species has a future beyond this planet, and making contact with another sentient species would be the most comfortable (not to mention exciting) form of birth pang possible for a new space-faring species. This faith applies to sentient extraterrestrial life as well. I would assume they were not out to destroy us, but rather on a similar journey of discovery to our own.
2006-10-15 07:45:38 · answer #1 · answered by giovanni9686 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would use a telephone answering machine. They that way would see our advanced technology and they would leave. Or perhaps an automated anwering swervicewith 10 options. They'd get bored and not bother us.
Seriously, a damned good question. A very serious one too. I think it is very risky to answer. Just think of the difference in technology between us and... ants. What do you do when you walking into a file of ants ? You just walk over them killing a few. Now imagine a civilisation which FAR more advanced in technology than we are, much more than we are from ANTS ! How much respect are they going to render us here on Earth ? NONE !! Use us if they need to and move on !! And... what do we do to our fellow living beings, the cows for example ? We se them to the extreme... we eat them.... and chickens ? We abuse them all their lives and then we eat them ! I WOULD NOT ANSWER ANY SUCH CALL !!
2006-10-15 13:39:03 · answer #2 · answered by RED-CHROME 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it was Arthur C Clarke who wrote a short story about an ancient alien race observing the Earth from afar... "Good, good, they have electricity... radio... medicine.... primitive space travel... OK, it must be time to go and give them their membership in the Intergalactic Social Club... Wait a minute... they tested nuclear weapons WHERE??? In their own atmosphere?? Send in the exterminators....."
And, to answer the original question, yes, I'd pick up the space-phone when it rings..
It would be a risk, but.... they probably know we're here anyway, we've been radiating radio and TV for decades now.
Just think, somewhere out in deep space, there are alien ambassadors trying to learn our languages from early TV soaps and bad comedy shows. (Never mind "Take me to your leader", the first alien words spoken on Earth will be "Honey, I'm Home!")
2006-10-16 16:44:35 · answer #3 · answered by IanP 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This was foretold in the New Testament...It said "The Meek shall inherit The Earth"....The message came from the planet Meek..and they are coming like Vikings to R&P. So don't say a word to anyone, you'll frighten the neighbours.
2006-10-15 08:06:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I would answer the signal, curiosity would prevail and also they could be in trouble, their planet may be crumbling and they need somewhere else to survive, I would try to welcome an alien race with as much heart as possible, even aliens would appreciate and respect that I am sure.
2006-10-15 07:35:25 · answer #5 · answered by Denise W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm. Not before you contact the press and make a fortune on the story!
2006-10-15 14:15:29 · answer #6 · answered by zrfffuk 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would reply, in exchange for their technology I would give them fashion tips
2006-10-15 07:34:43 · answer #7 · answered by MGN2006 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why advertise ourselves ? They`d be down here like a shot. What technology are we short of ? I can`t get half of it to work now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-10-15 13:48:24 · answer #8 · answered by redjonjak 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive had enough of technology so id ignore
2006-10-15 07:35:20 · answer #9 · answered by Nellynoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would reply - it's time to find the truth
2006-10-15 07:32:10 · answer #10 · answered by Chεεrs [uk] 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋