posted on Jul, 22 2009 @ 02:39 PM
I think looking at and judging how an alien species will or should behave around us is viewing them the only way we can, through human eyes. Physics,
cosmic laws may be universal. But thought? Logic? No way. Today I compare the way we think of communication with aliens as FAR, FAR more complex then
communication with animals. From what very little we know, we know marine mammals have incredible intelligence. Do they get angry? Have a favorite
color? Like music, and why? Who knows. Before we can hope to talk to the aliens, we have to be able to communicate with those who share our planet. Or
forget it. We have to augment our perceptions with really communicating and making noise, and know the difference. I think we can do it but I would
feel better with 1,000plus years of talking to animals.
Own a dog, or share your home with a cat? Do you know when your pet is upset, in pain, wants you to just "back off"? Sure you do, or you will. Watch
and listen. I swear a cat will get a "look in the eye before they attack" How much time they give I think depends on the fear/anger level, but so
cat has not not told me... I said share your home with a cat because they can't unlike a pack animal such as the dog, allow themselves to be led by
the nose. I like that, and I think cats remain of all the domestic animals the least domesticated. They turn ferral perhaps because of that. They
adapt far better then dogs, they, the "mutations" (dogs) we have designed for our own amusement, most would not last long if we went away, based on
a great history CH program "After People"
What I am saying is very basic. Lets start trying to understand the basics of animal emotion (which since I have yet to meet one who reads Plato seems
a good place. We know they feel fear, a sense of contentment, etc.) That MAY be all but I think we have more.When they act in a very smart manner,
theres a reason. Sudy of such things is very hard, you can't have them do it on command. (We will leave Pavolov for later). You CAN train a cat if
your a glutton for punishment...If you want a very angry cat, then try negative conditioning They connect the dots and KNOW who's hurting them.
Can't figure that out? They will take it out on you...
I'm very excited about where this could take us. Worse case it will help us understand ourselves better. Best case? Beyond imagination. My diatribe
is an attempt to have one consider just how complex dealing with aliens is going to be. The other factor is what I call the boggle mind factor.
Stranger and harder to catch then a shadow. There are so many reasons a complex life form would be very carefull before they went on Larry King.
Perhaps the realization would shatter us. Like Cortez and the Central Americans? Remember what 150 Spanish soldiers did to thosands of Aztec? Not that
the Spanish had pure intentions.
The Aztec were so stunned by Cortez, he created "cultural confussion", illness, and famine, and keeping the Aztec in the dark destroyed a vastly
superior Aztec culture. At least in math to say the least. Guns diden't help to much either.Another reason? They want something from us, one we may
not understand. A third reason is what if their hostile? Who says humans are the only ones capable of being crude, rude; a general pain in the butt. I
don't buy the argument that if warlike they would have destroyed themselves. Another off center idea...What if their hive-like or their instinct
lends to co-operation.
Speculation has said co-operative views may next be taken up by the social insects. Think about it, as with the bea's. They work hard, are totally
singled minded, and very efficiant. Throw in even the basic reasoning, and you have debates going on based on persuation. Or civil war. As the bea
habitat becomes more unstable they may adapt to something else. We know they can communicate, no question, as in the "bea dance" designed to show
every other bea just where and even how far the good stuff is. Thats important for energy use in getting them and back.
In a way, a high level of instinct might inhibit development if it keeps working, and nothing more is needed. Right now I consider it likely insect
acts like a non-adaptive computer capable of executing functions based on it's program its only capable of doing what it's programed to. Ask a
computer something it WAS NOT programmed for, and it will try try, in vein, then gets a very bad case of the stupids.
This area is of the utmost facination with me for many reasons, let me know what you think. Thanks; arbiture