It might be a bit presumptuous to disregard a theory before we have found out whether life exists elsewhere. Perhaps when we do and can compare several examples we might come to a conclusion. In any case, if this theory is not true it will not necessarily mean that life cannot have the same beginnings as has happened on earth or something entirely different. My money, what little I have, is on there being life elsewhere.
The forum gag rules prevents me from responding as I would like, yet I shall say that there is nothing presumptive in my previous statement, but to explain that I can't, because I dislike having a gag shoved down my throat. Spend your money as you like, but I have better uses for mine.It might be a bit presumptuous to disregard a theory before we have found out whether life exists elsewhere. Perhaps when we do and can compare several examples we might come to a conclusion. In any case, if this theory is not true it will not necessarily mean that life cannot have the same beginnings as has happened on earth or something entirely different. My money, what little I have, is on there being life elsewhere.
For whatever it's worth pincushion, I agree with the thoughts you expressed in your posts. I'm just sorry that those of us who are alive today will most likely not be around to see any of it come to pass.
Me too, but we have plenty to enjoy here on earth at the moment and those in the future are likely to miss much of that. Nothing I have said is new and most has been covered endlessly in films and science fiction - perhaps it was my early introduction to much of this that has determined my view although I am an ex-engineer and do follow science and technology quite closely. My views are basically down to the balance of probabilities and the immense scale of the universe. Although I do believe that life is very likely to exist elsewhere I do not think we have actually been visited by aliens but I am a bit more agnostic on this having no evidence either way.
I think the work required to enable humans to seed further worlds is comparable to the Apollo program being a sentence of a bible-sized book and the book being the total work required - a daunting prospect!
:)
Probably true, but its fun and rewarding being part of the journey isn't it? Don't give up hope, there have been huge scientific breakthroughs in recent years.....you just never knowThank goodness for science and logically reasoning, otherwise we would still be hanging out in caves worshipping dieties that cannot be proven to exist.
pincushion,
Your perspective is based on the concept that life occurs by chance, and that the size of the universe and number of celestial bodies tilts the odds toward life elsewhere, but life is not a random occurrence. The Earth is unique beyond your imagination. Science could be likened to Don Quixote on a lost cause, except that I'm not convinced that they are as earnest as they may appear, other than in terms of securing their status and budgets.
I don't think you or I are in a position to categorically state anything about the origins of life. I assume you have a certain belief with regard to this and you are entitled to that. Personally, and from an early age, I looked at the number of the various religions and formed an opinion. It has not changed or wavered throughout my life and I have had many instances for my beliefs to be tested.
Without science we would all still be living as some still are in certain parts of the world i.e. in forests with just primitive tools.
I could say I respect the views of all but to be honest I don't since many of these views have not been thought through or are just regurgitations of various writings - but I do know all are entitled to their views - as long as they don't impact others.
We are probably best to disagree as I probably couldn't alter your views and you would certainly not alter mine.
:)
ps I would agree that the earth is very special and we should make every attempt not to abuse it or all the other non-human lifeforms that it is home to as well.
Last edited by pincushion; 08 Dec 2011 at 11:02. Reason: add
I don't think any of our conversation matters as to how life got here, by chance or by devine design. The fact is that it is here. == There are so many other places that have not been explored is the reason life might exist in other places. If all of those places are like the moon, just a barren rock, there will not be anything. Until exploration has gone to the far reaches of space, one does not know what is there. == Celestial bodies are so far away, that it decreases the chances of us ever getting there, but it is fun to think about. I think the chances of us making radio contact (if anyone is out there) would be something that might happen rather than actually seeing other life. We have had radios invented about a 100 years so that is a short time in the scheme of things. Just think, those radio waves that were sent a thousand light years ago are still on the way here. This post is getting a bit crazy, I better go.
