FlexibleFlier wrote:Here's a really big picture thought:
Assuming that the Big Bang is correct, isn't it possible, even likely, that there were/are hundreds/thousands/billions of other tiny little bits of energy that have or also will explode creating hundreds/thousands/billions of other universes, each with billions of stars, etc., etc.?
In other words, we are not the only universe; we simply haven't created a means to see far enough to see any others. But, time and science march on and we eventually (not in this lifetime) will.
The point is, the likelihood of us being alone is so infinitesimally small as to be statistically insignificant. Which, IMHO, means there is lots and lots of life out there, both more and less developed than we are. I won't use the word "intelligent" about us because as a species we really aren't, what with endless war, the wanton eradication of wildlife, the persistent destruction of the planet in innumerable ways, etc., etc.
It has been posited that we have indeed been studied by visitor(s) from other worlds but that they were so horrified at what they learned about us that Earth has been placed "Off Limits". Perhaps after humans are gone the next species will do better.
I am very impressed with the point of view expressed in this post. Especially the fact that advanced races cannot consider us equal. I think this is close to the truth.
As for the theory of the multiverse, I heard that it is now seriously gaining momentum in scientific circles. It seems that some calculations have shown a very high probability of such a world order.
I would like, of course, to see evidence of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations. But I'm afraid we will not soon reach the level of development of a civilization that could travel intergalactic distances. You're right