Chapter 1: The Alien Question

Are extraterrestrial beings among us? This inquiry may seem more like a hypothesis than a definitive conclusion. I lack concrete evidence but approach this topic with an open mind. In simple terms, I don't just believe; I am convinced.

It’s crucial that we give due consideration to both the Fermi Paradox and the Drake Equation. While neither serves as definitive proof of extraterrestrial existence, they effectively highlight our human arrogance. Humanity has barely scratched the surface of technological advancement in just under a century. Yet, we boldly question, “Where is everyone?”

Despite boasting about our scientific breakthroughs over the past fifty years, our civilization remains incredibly fragile, vulnerable to global pandemics or a sizable asteroid. We continue to grapple with issues of food and energy scarcity, which is disheartening. Nonetheless, we are undoubtedly intelligent beings—perhaps even in ways that could be considered alien.

Let’s shift to a more optimistic view. The strides we have made over the last two to three centuries are indeed noteworthy. We have drastically reduced mortality from infections, harnessed nuclear energy, landed on the Moon, and can disseminate information—both accurate and misleading—at unprecedented speeds. Our intelligence is increasing, and our lifespans are extending. What does this imply about our trajectory? It suggests we may be on an exponential curve regarding scientific progress. Over the next fifty years, we can anticipate remarkable advancements in technology and societal structures.

How does this relate to the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations? I will touch on a straightforward concept: space travel. If we maintain our current curiosity and avoid becoming mere extensions of virtual reality, I remain hopeful that some of us will continue to aspire to reach the stars.

Our current capabilities in space exploration are rudimentary at best, akin to a human cannonball. The vastness of interstellar space is challenging for our Earth-bound minds to comprehend. Our propulsion technologies, whether electromagnetic or otherwise, are not yet capable of facilitating meaningful interstellar travel. Even under optimal conditions, it would take decades to reach the nearest star. To embark on a substantial interstellar mission, it must be as easy as a drive to the local grocery store. Unfortunately, we lack such technology today. It may take another 200 to 300 years—a mere blink of an eye in the context of human existence, which spans around 100,000 to 200,000 years.

Regardless of how long it takes to develop efficient interstellar travel, that time frame is minuscule when compared to the development of planetary systems. More importantly, once we achieve the ability to make a "grocery run" to a nearby star, venturing to another galaxy will likely feel like a leisurely beach trip. A civilization capable of such feats would have long since addressed issues like radiation protection and anti-gravity technology.

Current estimates suggest there are around (10^{24}) (1 followed by 24 zeros) stars in the observable universe. The total number of stars across the entire universe remains unknown, but this is significant for the potential of "beach trips." It only takes one technologically advanced civilization to spread its influence throughout the cosmos. We may very well expect thousands of such civilizations in our vicinity. But what do they look like?

I may not sound particularly modest here, but I believe they are organic. Or at least they once were, much like us—carbon-based life forms with DNA or RNA. The laws of physics are universal, and chemistry remains consistent. We can detect organic compounds on distant worlds, even with our limited technology. Organic life is likely abundant wherever chemistry permits it. While intelligent life may be rarer, it is not unique. A commonality among organic life forms is their size; we should anticipate encountering beings we can easily comprehend. A silicon-based life form would be a surprising twist!

Non-organic life forms are also a possibility; we can envision plasma-based entities residing in the photospheres of stars or intelligent quantum structures extending across light-years. Why not? We certainly have the capacity to make our presence known to one another. Yet, I find myself constrained in understanding the how and why of it all. Why might they be here?

Curiosity propels technological civilizations and fuels their progress. They might search for other life forms, even if they have already visited countless planets with developed life and observed civilizations at various stages of advancement. Thus, they pursue knowledge at their own level. The notion that they communicate with our governments is nonsensical; however, it is plausible that our scientists detect signs of their advanced technology. It is humanity that yearns to reach them, not the other way around!

It becomes evident that technological progress is matched by a similar rate of social and cognitive development. They are not here to share wisdom or bestow an unfair advantage upon civilizations like ours. They maintain a neutral stance and appreciate life in its many forms.

What limitations do they face?

Regrettably, they cannot travel back in time. While they can move forward in time, this ability lacks utility if they cannot return.

What’s next?

Gaze up at the night sky and dream of reaching the stars. Embed this aspiration into your very essence, akin to how the scent of smoke incites hunger. One day, your descendants will venture into the cosmos because of that dream.

Chapter 2: Human Aspirations for the Stars

In exploring the potential for human expansion into the cosmos, we must ask: What drives our desire to reach the stars?

This video titled "Humans are the First Aliens. Here's Why." delves into the intriguing notion that humanity may have a unique role in the universe.

Another compelling video, "Why Aliens Might Already Be On Their Way To Us," explores the possibilities of extraterrestrial civilizations approaching our planet.