Extraterrestrial Encounters: Friendly or Hostile?

As we delve into the vastness of space, one question often arises: if aliens were to discover us, would they be friendly or hostile? The answer, like much in the realm of extraterrestrial speculation, is not straightforward. However, drawing from our understanding of human societies, proto-science fiction, and the challenges of interstellar travel, we can explore this intriguing scenario.

The View of an Alien Explorer

Imagine what an alien explorer might make of Earth. Just as we might consider Earth in terms of its surface coverage by living organisms, an alien culture might view our planet through similar lenses. One such perspective compares Earth to a lichen-covered stone—abundant but not without its scars and anomalies.

From a distant perspective, Earth presents a mere speck in the cosmos. Any alien observers might be inclined to take photographs and catalog this anomaly, much like a geologist would study a particularly interesting rock formation. The chances of them deciding to engage more closely would be small, at least at first.

Risk and Reward of Interaction

But what does an alien civilization seek from us, and under what conditions would they come to an adverse conclusion? From the start, one key consideration is the immense resource cost and practical limitations of interstellar travel. Extended interstellar navigation and travel necessitate a high supply of material resources, knowledge, technology, motivation, and cooperation. Such endeavors would be seen by many as primative, barbaric, and cost-prohibitive, potentially mirroring the experiences of early explorers of Earth.

Moreover, the political and material conquests that might arise from such endeavors would be feeble efforts compared to the cultural and technological sophistication required to achieve a feasible interstellar civilization. Social conflicts, driven by competition for finite material resources, are rarely resolved through conquest or subjugation. An adequately capable civilization would have no need to resorts to harmful actions to acquire resources, as they would likely operate in a post-scarcity environment, devoid of the need for strip-mining or exploiting finite resources like coal or petroleum.

Imagining the Interstellar Explorer’s Perspective

The nuclear physicist and astrobiologist, Paul Davies, offers a compelling perspective in his book "The Eerie Silence," arguing that if a species has achieved faster-than-light (FTL) travel, they might have worked out most of their internal conflicts. The power required to achieve FTL would be enormous, nearly insurmountable with current technology. A post-scarcity culture, unforeseen by many, would be a prerequisite. Such a civilization would not need to seek out our resources and could likely surpass us in peaceful, cooperative endeavors.

However, the potential for misunderstanding and misbehavior remains. If a species employs weapons as a means to solve problems, they might misinterpret an introduction by us as a hostile act. For instance, if we were to approach them via orbital bombardment or with demands for their surrender, they might perceive this as a threat and react hostilely. Thinking about an alien civilization with the capability for FTL might help us understand how much we might be perceived from afar: less as a threat of conquest and more as an interesting, if quaint, alien civilization still grappling with the basic conflicts of life.

50/50

We have no definitive answer until it actually happens. But one could argue that if a species has the technology to traverse the vast distances of space and overcome the challenges of interstellar travel, they would likely have already ironed out most of the issues they face. Their advanced technology and societal structure suggest they are beyond the stage of seeking conquest or exploitation. The novelty of encountering a new species would generally be a highly positive experience for both parties.

Science Fiction as a Guide

Science fiction offers numerous examples of both malevolent and benevolent extraterrestrial encounters. In stories where malevolent aliens are depicted, the impact on human civilization can be profound, often leading to the end or the survival of humanity. However, these stories paint a pessimistic picture, and even in such tales, there is always a glint of hope that humanity might thrive.

Conclusion

Whether aliens will be friendly or hostile when they encounter us is a question without a clear answer. It depends on their motivations, abilities, and how we choose to represent ourselves. Trying to imagine what an alien civilization would be like can help us understand more about ourselves and what it might take for us to coexist with other intelligent life in the universe.