If we consider the vast array of life existing in the universe, we human beings could easily be equivalent to our pet dogs in our relationship to more advanced beings, in that we can be interesting, loving, friendly, fun, obedient, trainable, but sometimes very dangerous. There are probably civilizations throughout the universe that have existed for thousands, millions, or even billions of years, and we are just now on the verge of learning about them. To them, we may seem primitive, slightly intelligent creatures, dangerous animals, fascinating wildlife, pesky, irritating insects, or bacteria that may be innocuous or have the potential for destruction. Certainly, the perspective of extraterrestrial beings toward us is directly related to their advanced state of mental abilities, their ability to communicate with us, understand and empathize with us, or at least have the desire to do so. Perhaps, they are not interested in such primitive creatures as we may seem to be, choosing to ignore our existence. They probably became interested in us when we began killing each other with nuclear bombs and began moving out into space. It is a major mistake for us to believe that beings far advanced beyond us think or act as we do or possess the same feelings, morals, beliefs, and emotions that we have incorporated into our society. Imagine a civilization that communicates with thought, and there are no secrets. Imagine beings that function together with such harmony that the group functions as a single sentient being. Imagine the possibility of a society with no more diseases, endless energy, and resources we now constantly struggle to obtain. Imagine advanced beings who assist, guide, teach, and direct the development, preservation, and evolution of life for multiple worlds. Many people believe that this view of the future is impossible, and it certainly is by our limited standards. If we put aside our fears, distrust, anger, and egotism, any of these advancements may be possible for us. I sincerely believe that advanced beings want positive interactions with us.
Realize that these beings may not communicate verbally but may do so with thought, sounds, images, metaphors, insights, emotions, unexpected knowledge, touches, and gestures that may defy description. Communication will improve as we learn more about each other. Keep in mind that we are only beginning to learn intelligent connections with animals on Earth.
I am concerned about our reactions to encountering these beings and hope we will respond in peaceful, loving, curious, and intelligent ways. I am deeply concerned that the primitive aspects of our brains will respond with fear, xenophobia, and aggression. We must overcome these ancient fears that perpetuate wars, division, destructiveness, famine, genocide, hatred, poverty, inequity, and many diseases we see in our world today. We have a choice in this matter, whether to engage with hostility or peaceful interactions.
I have been at the birth of both of our daughters. These were times of hope, fears, and uncertainty. My wife’s pain, bleeding, and worrisome pauses of the fetal monitors were stressful even for me as a surgeon. But then came our baby girls, crying with their first breaths, moving their arms and legs, and eyes opening to a new world. Helpless, then crawling, walking, talking, running, playing, going to school, having careers, meeting a special person, getting married, and living their lives as new creations. We, as a species, are on the threshold of entering the delivery room to give birth to a new age with new beings who are happier, healthier, and smarter than we are, and can help us grow and mature to reach the stars and engage new and wonderful beings. Our beautiful world can be saved. We will find that this journey is deeply spiritual and essential for the survival of us human beings, our children, our children’s children, and thousands of generations to follow.
