Futurism logo

How Discovering We're Alone in the Universe Could Benefit Mankind

The universe is an infinite vacuum, peril to life unless given under the perfect circumstances. Humanity is lucky, perhaps maybe the luckiest in the known universe, whether you believe it or not.

By John AubertPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
Like

The late astronomer and world renowned astrophysicist Carl Sagan once said, "For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring."

Humanity has always peeled their eyes on the night sky, wondering if somewhere, somehow, there is another intelligent civilization in the Universe just like us. However, in the 200,000 years humans have been roaming our pale blue dot suspended in the vastness of the cosmos, we've yet to discover any intelligent life that may be thriving on some distant world.

Even without any concrete knowledge on the manner, mankind has been curious and scared by the fact that we may or not be alone in the Universe. In reality, based on the incomprehensible size of the cosmos and current technology, we'll never truly know if there is any intelligent life anywhere other than Earth. The thought of that can weigh down the idea of life. Or, it can inspire humanity to be its best.

In the back of our minds, we truly want to believe we're not the only life in the known Universe. From our perspective, we're nothing but a spec of dust floating around aimlessly through space, while we live our everyday lives day in and day out. It's quite illusive to the fact of being prosperous, making every single problem in our eyes seem minuscule to what the cosmos has to offer.

However, no matter what invades your mind due to the subject manner, Humanity would most likely be blessed if we came up to the scientific conclusion that we are, in fact, alone.

For one, instead of eluding to our most basic instinct of violence and destruction, the realization could preferably allow mankind to focus on continuing the succession of survival rate on Earth. Humans have always been plagued with the notion of destroying life, rather than improving. Current political institutions are oblivious to the impending extinction of humanity, which is almost guaranteed within the next century or so, due to the lack of understanding climate change and our unnecessary damage we're continuing to inflict on our fragile planet.

If we figured out we're alone, there are a lot of revelations that could parade the mindsets of politicians. Instead of fearing the fact we're the only life forms, we could come together as a species and surpass our differences. United as one, our survival rate can drastically improve.

For instance, the governments of the world could disregard space exploration adventures and focus on using the corrected funds to improve human conditions on Earth, such as humanitarian efforts, resource conservation, and more. Or, in fear of pending doom on Earth, focus on improving technologies to possibly colonize moons, or even other planets, which is a stretch. However, it could be possible due to improving technology and inspiration of the likes of NASA, or Elon Musk's SpaceX, who are planning on the first stages of possible missions to Mars within the coming decades. Their ultimate goal; to send humans to distant worlds to live and prosper, continuing our survival.

Obviously, there will be steady hands that will disagree with than notion. Humans aren't perfect in any manner, as the discovery could bring in the greedy notion of some world power driving us to the early nuclear extinction we all fear already. However, let's guide towards the lighter side of this topic.

We all know this planet, even the further outreaches of The Milky Way will be consumed by our sun within the next 7.5 billion years, when it reaches its Red Giant stage. However, that is obviously a long time away from now and shouldn't worry any of us. The idea of humanity somehow surviving that long is, to say the least, ridiculous. However, the notion that we're the only intelligent life should inspire, not disregard our lives.

The Universe has gifted us with a chance, possibly the only chance that life can survive through the trifles of the cosmos. Regardless of the ailments that lie on this beautiful blue marble such as hunger, war, poverty, and disease, we're truly lucky to be even given the chance at experiencing the things we do everyday. No other place in the Universe has your favorite coffee shop, sports team, or flower you water each morning. There's no other place that can carry memories of your first kiss, the love of your life, or possibilities to be the best you can be as a person.

Through the luck we've been given in our insignificant place in the Universe, we should take that with a grain of salt. We won't be here forever, nobody will. And that fact alone, should help us thrive, instead of devolve.

So, when you get the chance, look up at the night time sky. Think about how you feel. Do you feel insignificant, or do you feel inspired? It's a manner of perspective, and it's time we truly think about our destiny as a species.

humanity
Like

About the Creator

John Aubert

Punk rock junkie that's passionate about the scene. Punk rock has always been my life, always will be. If you like anything edgy, you'll like my work! Join me on my journey!

Twitter: @Johnaubert97

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.