X-Message-Number: 11188
From: 
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 12:19:07 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Re: #11185 Those missing ETs


Robert Heinlein in discussing science fiction once pointed out a graph showing 
an upward curve 

from the present to the past and then several possible projected continuations 
in regard to 

future trends in general.  Most were soon to flatten out based on the inability 
of most of us to 

expect truly radical changes from our present condition.  Common also was the 45
degree flat-

line projection upward from the present ("The stock market will rise forever."  
"Real estate 

prices will rise forever.")  But there was also that almost vertical hockey 
stick projection.


In this century we use radio waves for communication long distance (I'm 
including TV and the 
rest here).  So SETI looks for radio wave ET communications.


Yet it just might be that in the next few years we will discover that there 
actually IS a way to 

"send" information instantaneously through the mechanism of Bell's Theorum and 
Aspect's 

experiments.  OR... some other mechanism that is non-local (FTL) supplants EM 
wave 
communications.


Then SETI will realize that radio would almost certainly NOT be used by any 
truly advanced ETs.


Similarly, we walk about in flesh bodies with mental personalities and naturaly 
enough project 
that this is likely to be what will continue to be used by ETs "out there".


Yet there have already been numerous suggestions for alternate futures for 
humans wherein these 

forms and patterns give way to other forms and patterns radically different - 
some even lacking 
physical form in the sense we think of it now.

Such nonsense!  What ridiculousness!

Yet we are left with the seeming "absence" of ETs.  


Perhaps we are simply blind to what is in front of us and the (probably) 
infinite universe is 

devoid of ANY OTHER "intelligent" life (I am not yet certain that the human 
species meets that 
definition).


Perhaps we are simply projecting our current state forward.  But if the hockey 
stick includes 
radical change for us, might not that explain the "others".


The ETs may simply view our current primitive state of carbon-bound bodies with 
low RAM minds as 
being indistinguishable from flatworms.

Just a thought.

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