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However, for argument sake, let us state that all of the evidence available
to us in the civilian domain constitutes only a 10% probability of contact with
extraterrestrial intelligence. Does this not constitute adequate evidence to
initiate a serious scientific and diplomatic mission? Certainly in medicine a
10% probability of finding a cure for cancer would warrant an all out effort in
the cancer research community. For it is generally true that when the stakes
_.are_yery high, the probability of success need not be, prior to initiating a
research project. Without question, the stakes are so high in this area that
even a 10% probability is adequate to mount one of the most extensive
worldwide research initiatives in history.
This question, however, is not limited to the realm of science alone, for as
soon as one makes the assessment, however tentative, that we are being
visited by advanced extraterrestrial life forms, the larger question of
interplanetary (and inter-species) relations becomes preeminent. This is,
then, the ultimate diplomatic challenge. And to find our common ground with
intelligent life forms which are not even human may prove to be the most
extraordinary task humanity has ever faced.
For witness how difficult it has been for humanity to come together in
peace among the diverse peoples of the world. Notwithstanding the fact that
we are all human, living on the one homeland called earth, yet wars,
prejudices and enmity have repeatedly submerged the world into chaos and
destruction. As the world moves, in fits and starts, towards a true world
civilization, and the people of the world increasingly realize their essential
unity as humans, the potential for increasingly open contact between humans
and other intelligent life-forms is likely to increase exponentially.
However, before we can entertain this concept, we must first ask
ourselves some basic questions:
■ What global developments must occur before full open contact can take
place?
■ How will communication occur, and what should be communicated?
■ Prior to full, open contact, what form of contact and communication is
possible, in a pioneering or preliminary framework?
■ And most importantly, what are the fundamental points of unity between
humans and other intelligent life forms in the universe? What is our universal
common ground?
Regarding this last question, we cannot assume that extraterrestrial life forms
who are thinking, sentient beings, and who by definition have evolved under
conditions different from those on earth, are likely to be much like humans, at
least superficially. Their level of intelligence, fund of knowledge, emotional
nature, social and political structures, ethical, moral and religious systems-and
more-are likely to be quite different from that of humans. We must therefore
find a deeper point of unity, what I call our highest common denominator.
This consideration, however abstract it may seem to some, is really central to
establishing a sense of common ground between intelligent species And
without common ground, we can have no relationship.