What Makes Us Human?
We all know what sets us apart from other species on Earth. The one thing that distinguishes us is our sense of self. We are aware that we are human. A dog or a cat, on the other hand, is not aware that it’s a dog or a cat; it simply exists, eating, sleeping, and mating. But humans are more complicated because we have a sense of identity. This awareness is the reason we think. Our brain is so advanced compared to other species that, despite sharing 98% of our DNA with chimpanzees, we are far more intelligent and self-aware.
The Implications of Advanced Intelligence
This raises an interesting question: if a mere 2% difference in DNA can result in such a significant difference between humans and chimpanzees, what could a 50% difference achieve? When we consider the possibility of aliens visiting Earth, their ability to travel across the galaxy proves that they possess superior technology, which in turn implies that they are more intelligent than us. Even if they are similar to humans but with some small changes, like a 2% difference in DNA, we would become the chimpanzees in that scenario.
Humanity’s Place in the Universe
What would humans be in the eyes of a being from another world? Would we even be able to communicate with them? The likelihood of successfully communicating with an extraterrestrial species is uncertain. We might be the dominant species on Earth, but to a non-Earth species capable of interplanetary travel, we might be nothing more than bacteria.
The Challenge of Communication
We are a relatively young species compared to the age of the universe. It’s likely that there are other, older, and more advanced civilizations elsewhere in the universe. When they decide to visit our planet, we can’t predict how they will treat us. We can’t even expect them to treat us equally, simply because we might not be able to understand them. Their thought process might be incomprehensible to us. We struggle to understand each other’s perspectives within our own species; how can we expect to communicate with a being from another world?
Conclusion The possibility of extraterrestrial life raises more questions than answers. While we may never fully comprehend the implications of encountering an alien civilization, exploring these ideas encourages us to reevaluate our place within the universe and the boundaries of our understanding.
