25.2 - The Character of First Contact

Xenology: An Introduction to the Scientific Study of Extraterrestrial Life, Intelligence, and Civilization

First Edition

Robert A. Freitas Jr., Xenology: An Introduction to the Scientific Study of Extraterrestrial Life, Intelligence, and Civilization, First Edition, Xenology Research Institute, Sacramento, CA, 1979; http://www.xenology.info/Xeno.htm

25.2 The Character of First Contact

What will first contact actually be like? How will the participants regard each other? It is often suggested that when humanity encounters technologically advanced aliens they may seem as gods to us. It is said that they will be capable of miracles and, in essence, "magic" -- and that they may be as far beyond us in intelligence as we are beyond the ants.

In the author’s opinion, each of the above statements represent gross understatements of the most probable reality.

Last updated on 6 December 2008