In article <1168211411.725800.119000@s34g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>,
 "gpsman" <gpsman@driversmail.com> wrote:

John A. Weeks III wrote:

In article <1168195247.468701.203250@11g2000cwr.googlegroups.com>,
 "gpsman" <gpsman@driversmail.com> wrote:

Jamie Powell wrote:

Just as the subject says.... Well? Are we?!

I think the question is irrelevant, beyond our desire to know.

You must be a real exciting person to be around.  Humans are
born explorers and live for discovery.  You must be one of
those people who live to 70, but died before they were 20.

Well, maybe.  Or maybe it's just that I am unexcited about exploring
and discovering that which is irrelevant.

If we are not alone makes no discernible difference.  Discovered
tomorrow, the only benefit would be having the question answered.  If
any difference is realized, it won't be for a long time, and the end
result might be good or bad, but won't matter to me.

It is a highly relevant issue.  Discovering other beings would
prove religion to be incorrect once and for all.  The end of
religion would mean the end to most of the wars on this planet.
The end of war would lead to the end of much starvation and 
violence.  And knowing that others are out there would lead to a
surge in education resulting in a scientific and medical revolution.
In short, the child-like human race would take a rapid step towards
growing into young adulthood, and start its journey to being
mature enough to join the community of species that inhabit
this galaxy.

-john-

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John A. Weeks III           952-432-2708            john@johnweeks.com
Newave Communications                         http://www.johnweeks.com
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