Thread

1. I_dream_of_Geni · 1790469671 · focus · HN ↗

   OK... Serious question here: we find "life" (algae?) on one of Saturn's moons or one of Jupiter's moons. So, we spend ~$50 Billion (arguably much more) and find "life". So? Why is this important to people? There isn't one chance in (place your own word here) that we can do anything about it or even send humans there. Seriously want to know what people really think...

   1. dzink · 1790472330 · focus · HN ↗

      Because of statistics. If we can find life, potentially started independently or pollinated in a couple of planets close to each-other, then life is everywhere and we may be in a dark forest of intelligent or hidden native predatory beings waiting to wipe us out if we squeak or show up elsewhere. If it's not as frequent, then we can keep exploring to look for it and more human-habitable spots.

      1. rafram · 1790473325 · focus · HN ↗

         I have a premonition that even if extraterrestrial life is discovered, and even if intelligent, hostile extraterrestrial life is somehow discovered, humans are not going to leave it alone.

         After all, everyone involved can just say it's inevitable! If we don't do it, someone else will.

         1. flyinglizard · 1790498027 · focus · HN ↗

            Having an external common enemy might do us good.

            1. LightBug1 · 1790505743 · focus · HN ↗

               In the movies.

               In reality the existential crisis will be used as a means for control, exploitation, and corruption ...

               c.f. USA, Israel, UAE as spring-to-mind obvious examples for hints and tips as to how this plays out.

               It's also interesting that your mind goes immediately to common enemy instead of some alternative.

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