Coming to Grips with an “Alien” Presence

The realization that we are not alone in the universe is not an anticipated, future event; it is an ongoing, tectonic paradigm shift. The fact of the existence of NHI can no longer be denied. In the days, years, and months ahead, this realization will have a profound impact on culture, society, and every human on the planet.

Throughout the course of our history, we have undergone significant transformation resulting from confronting fresh information that challenges previously held worldviews. The Copernican Revolution, for example, removed the Earth from its position at the center of the cosmos. This realization fundamentally altered the way that we perceive the world and ourselves. Similarly, the realization that all life on Earth evolved from earlier, predecessor forms of life posed a challenge to religious and existential views concerning the origins of humanity.

The potential psychological impact of perceiving that non human intelligences exist and have been living among us is inestimable. Depending on the characteristics of these intelligences and the way they are perceived, the initial reaction could include a combination of amazement, fear, and confusion—to say the least. This revelation may call into question fundamental assumptions about the superiority of humans, the uniqueness of our species, and the very nature of life itself.

It is not a stretch to speculate that, at the very least, people would likely experience widespread cognitive dissonance because they will have a difficult time reconciling the newly discovered facts with their previously held views. It is possible that this could result in existential distress since the understanding that mankind is not alone will necessitate a reevaluation of the role that humanity plays in the universe. This reevaluation will inevitably take place, not only culturally, but individually. This internal reevaluation will have profound and deeply personal effects on the psyche of every human being on the planet.

When we come into existence, regardless of the country, family, race, or other circumstances into which we are born, we immediately begin to examine and evaluate our place in the universe. No matter our lineage, we are inevitably guided into a predetermined cultural hierarchy. Our placement within this structure invariably influences our perception of ourselves relative to the rest of the universe and provides the foundation for our egos.

The ego acts as a constant mediator between our most basic instincts and desires (the id) and our morals and ideals (the superego). We traverse the intricacies of social interaction and the nuances of the real world with the assistance of the ego, which enables us to make decisions that are both realistic and socially acceptable. It provides the behavioral guidance through which our conduct is directed, affecting how we think, feel, and behave.

The ego also assists us in differentiating ourselves from other people. It shields our self-esteem from thoughts of inadequacy or vulnerability by acting as a protective mechanism. One might also think of it as a “perception filter” through which our experiences and perceptions are filtered while also being aligned with our preconceived notions, beliefs, and ideals. It should come as no surprise, then, that the conscious realization of an alien presence will inevitably cause the complete restructuring of the egos of every human being on the planet. The outcome of this deeply profound realization and its ultimate impact on human society cannot be predicted.

Psychologically speaking, humans exhibit and experience a wide range of emotions, ranging from fear and paranoia to attraction and a yearning for love and connection. The intensity of these feelings may be influenced by the non-human intelligence’s perceived goals. It is possible that a sense of wonder and a desire to learn will be cultivated if they are experienced as being kind and generous. On the other hand, if the visitors are regarded as malicious or apathetic, the result could be widespread dread and distrust, and possibly even social upheaval, or worse – complete societal disintegration.

At the very least, it is highly likely that this revelation, as it spreads, will have a highly disruptive effect. Religious institutions, governmental institutions, and scientific institutions will all need to adjust to accommodate this new reality. Unfortunately, none of this can be avoided.

By and large, religious views are inherently anthropocentric, which means they place humans at the center of a presumably universal, divine design. It will be necessary to adjust theology to accommodate the existence of NHI, particularly if these intelligences represent highly advanced civilizations, or bring spiritual beliefs of their own. This could supplant all prior religious beliefs.  It is also likely that many religious communities will view the discovery as a challenge to faith, and the visitors as demons. Others will see the revelation as a confirmation of the unbounded scope of God’s creation.

Governments will be significantly impacted by this revelation. The discovery of intelligence that is not human has the potential to either bring humanity together or further divide it. When nations join to engage these entities, it is possible that the understanding that humanity is not alone could, on the one hand, inspire global collaboration. On the other hand, it has the potential to intensify conflicts that already exist.

In addition to all of this, there will be serious concerns about national sovereignty. Governments will likely create new rules to monitor and manage interactions with NHI. Discussions about freedom, human rights, and the distribution of global power will follow this. It is also possible that the quest for control of vastly superior alien technologies will set off an unprecedented arms race in which nations compete with one another to establish a military advantage, or simply to protect themselves from potential alien or even domestic invasion from forces possessed of these new, alien, military technologies.

At the societal level, social cohesion has the potential to be both reinforced and stretched equally. People may become more connected to one another and develop a sense of global unity. It is equally possible, however, that it will result in societal fragmentation from many different groups reacting in vastly divergent ways. It is possible that some may accept the new reality, while others will fight tooth and nail against it. This will undoubtedly result in the development of new social movements and ideologies.

There is a also the possibility that the discovery will stimulate a rebirth of creativity and innovation. NHI will be considered in the fields of art, literature, and philosophy, and will result in the development of new genres and ideas. In addition, educational systems will need to be modified to incorporate new information about the cosmos and revise curriculums to better prepare future generations for a world in which mankind is not alone, and that we are the only intelligent species in the universe.

There are three potential, long-term outcomes that could result from the assimilation of information regarding the existence of NHI. In the most hopeful scenario, it is possible that humanity may someday accept and include NHI into human society, which could usher in a new period of collaboration and mutual growth. This could lead to the exchange of technological and cultural ideas, the creation of new scientific fields, and the extension of human knowledge beyond what is currently conceivable.

On the other hand, the discovery could result in widespread disagreements and feelings of estrangement. It is possible that defensive or even hostile acts will be taken in response to the perception that NHI pose a threat. This perception could lead to war or the collapse of society. It is possible that mistrust and dread may come to dominate human connections, ultimately resulting in authoritarianism, xenophobia, and the further degradation of beloved civil liberties.

Finally, there is the possibility that the revelation will result in a shift in the way people think about themselves. It is possible that being exposed to non-human ways of thinking, living, and perceiving the universe could result in a broadening of human consciousness, which would then lead to the development of a new view of reality. It is possible that this will lead to the emergence of new spiritualities, ideologies, and ways of being that break beyond the restrictions that are currently imposed on humans.

We are on the crest of the most significant event in human history. NHI are here. The failure of SETI scientists to pick up ET signals on their old-timey radios cannot negate this reality. Although it is unknown what the visitors’ motivations are, they possess technological prowess far beyond that of human actors. We will either come to grips with this reality, or we will not. If we cannot find a way to achieve the former, the latter may result in our extinction.