Some astrophysicists believe in the existence of intelligent lifeforms on planets other than Earth, and assert that we should make contact with them. Other scientists, however, disagree with this belief and think that rash contact has more negative repercussions than benefits. I will discuss both views and present my position, which is tilted towards the latter.
Since many centuries past, humans have looked up to the celestial bodies, fascinated by their vastness. Currently, scientists are using increasingly sophisticated techniques trying to find life and secrets of the heavens millions of light-years away. They claim that alien civilizations are likely to be more technologically advanced, and by communicating with them, we may have a leap in science and save precious time in between. To this cause, we have even sent out probes and objects like ‘The Golden Record’, carrying Earth’s basic information, to be extrapolated by any alien lifeform, should it be sufficiently cognizant to understand it.
Meanwhile, another branch of scientists argue that it is more likely than not that the extraterrestrial organisms we potentially contact will be malevolent. Slavery and slaughter would be our future. Also, writers like Liu Cixin, in the ‘Three-Body Problem’, have discussed the possibility of civilizations not contacting each other due to the fear of hostility from other predatory civilizations. This could also be a figurative wall that explains why aliens, who should have been alive for much longer compared to the relative infantile humanity, have not contacted us yet. Because those who tried have already perished.
In conclusion, to climb this metamorphic barrier and survive, it is prudent to develop silently and only initiate communication with foreign life when we are capable of handling the consequences. We may gain technological advancement by serendipity and generosity from them, but the gains outweigh the losses otherwise.