Understanding and Friendship with Extraterrestrial Beings: Lessons from Sci-Fi and Human Nature

Science fiction (sci-fi) movies often depict powerful alien creatures, and the human charactersrsquo; typical reaction is to immediately attack rather than try to understand them. This phenomenon is rooted in our basic instincts and the fear of the unknown. This article explores why this happens and how we can learn to overcome these fears.

Why Is It That Human Characters React by Attacking?

Our fear of the unknown has been a driving factor throughout history. In the dark ages, people who understood mathematics and science were often accused of being witches or in league with the devil. This fear has persisted to this day, as evidenced by the The Lost Fleet series, where an alien species named the Enigma race is depicted as ethically pleasing yet xenophobic war mongers, while the Dancer species, which looks like giant talking spiders, is portrayed as more aggressive despite their appearance.

The instinct to fear and attack the unknown is deeply ingrained in human nature. Our ancestors would run away from perceived threats, even if they turned out to be harmless. This survival mechanism has kept us alive, but it can also lead to unnecessary conflicts. For example, in the first MIB movie, Agent K said, ldquo;A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it. Five hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was flat and fifteen minutes ago you knew that humans were alone on this planet.rdquo; As a species, we often fear what we do not understand or what we cannot control.

Revised Approach to Meeting Extraterrestrial Beings

What if we could approach extraterrestrial beings with a different mindset? Instead of fear and violence, we could aim for understanding and peaceful coexistence. This would mean trying to communicate and build trust, rather than immediately resorting to defense mechanisms. For example, in the TV series ldquo;Another Life,rdquo; the protagonists first attempted to speak to the aliens and sent a space mission to their location, only to find out later that the aliens were hostile. This approach involves patience and communication, which are key to establishing any relationship, whether it be with another species or a human.

The Role of Communication in Sci-Fi and Real Life

Sci-fi movies often portray aliens as hostile, leading to a natural response of attack. However, alternative perspectives exist. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, Earth Final Conflict, and Andromeda, is a prime example of someone who approached these themes with a more cooperative mindset. In these series, the emphasis was on diplomacy and understanding, rather than confrontation. This suggests that if we do encounter extraterrestrial life, we should strive to hold back our instinct to attack and instead give them the benefit of the doubt.

Overcoming Our Instincts

To overcome our instinct to fear and attack the unknown, we need to practice empathy and open-mindedness. We must remind ourselves that just as we fear the unknown, these extraterrestrial beings likely fear us. By approaching them with respect and patience, we can build bridges rather than walls. Historical and contemporary examples show that treating other species with respect can lead to positive outcomes. For instance, the peaceful relationships established between humans and some non-native species serve as a reminder that communication and cooperation can be the key to coexistence.

Ultimately, the key to understanding and befriending extraterrestrial beings lies in our willingness to look beyond our fears and embrace the unknown. By embracing communication and patience, we can open up new possibilities for peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.