First Contact: Are We Ready?

Question

First off let me state that I don't want to debate the existence of extraterrestrials. Whether you believe in them or not, simply for the sake of the question go with the assumption that they are real and they initiate contact with us.

Now going with that assumption do you feel we are ready? How would you react, what would you think? How do you think others would react and think? How do you think contact with aliens would effect our cultures, religions, economies, science, technology, etc? And let's also just go with the assumption that it was peaceful contact and not some war/invasion scenario. As I'm sure we can all agree would completely change everything.

Answer 1

Yes, it would be an eye opener.

Science and technology would probably benefit, depending if they were advanced or if the just "brute forced" the journey.

We would probably split between people that accepted the aliens, those that disliked or were suspicious of them, and a few might even worship them (you never can tell).

Religion may or may not be affected, depending on what the aliens said on that subject. But given the massive proof that we have now, I doubt aliens would change much.

Answer 2

ok You don't have enough info in your question. So there are two separate scenarios which must be considered.
1. The other specie is anthropomorphic meaning they looked more or less human. Bilateral symmetry, 2 of everything except nose, mouth and alimentary functions. Their differences include the ability to travel between star systems in very short periods of time, a fairly sophisticated socialistic economic and political structure and philosophy centered on science from ancient times and without any religion.
2. The other specie is nothing like humanity. Although they have a skeletal structure, their flesh is amoebic in nature to the degree that they can form sensory organs in any part of their body as needed and the brains (an inexact term) are decentralized and they are twice as large as humans. Their culture is individualistic since they are able to reproduce by self-division or by exchanging genetic material with as many as five other individuals. They have deep belief that a higher being similar to themselves created them 3 billion years after the "big bang".

In the first case the human response is similar to Spaniards meeting Aztecs. We can grasp altho not understand necessarily most of their culture. Because of the religious differences a significant fraction of the human population rejects them as immoral and unethical. Relations are cordial but strictly business. We had salt water which they needed in small quantities and they had a space drive and navigation technology. Out membership in the intergalactic culture was free and we would grow up to it because there was no other choice. We would do it as fast as possible in our own way but we would do it.

In the second case, human reaction is not unlike humans meeting gods. Human ability to comprehend the new beings is facilitated by a translation device offered by the new beings. Nevertheless, understanding remains minimal because of vast differences. They offer us intra and intergalactic drives without a counter request. Our membership in the intergalactic culture was free. We would grow up to it because we really had no choice. We would do it at the speed best for us but we would do it.

Answer 3

Wow. A LOT of so called religous people would be very surprised.

Answer 4

i don't think i would be bothered--but probably the world--most-anyway-isn't ready--i still cant see why a peaceful-UFO-civilization would want to share-Enless they where going around-bringing planets into there fould--???but then why

Answer 5

My first reaction would be to kill them all because I don't understand them.

Answer 6

Some gun nut would shoot them for "home invasion."