Search Lincoln Cannon Menu
Lincoln Cannon

Thanks for visiting!

Should we talk to aliens?

Lincoln Cannon

26 April 2010 (updated 25 May 2025)

Listen to recording

As widely reported, physicist Stephen Hawking has warned us not to talk to aliens. His concern arises from an analogy between the supposed possible character of advanced aliens and the observed historical behavior of colonizers on Earth.

While Hawking is an excellent physicist, I suspect his credentials in sociology are no better than yours or mine. The technology that enables a colonizer to cross oceans and conquer continents may have a far lower natural benevolence barrier than the technology that enables an advanced alien to cross galaxies and conquer worlds. This is an assumption on which the New God Argument is based.

Moreover, assuming advanced aliens exist out there, it seems hard to believe they don’t know we’re here. Yet that is what Hawking appears to be assuming.

Thanks for reading! My work has significant costs in time and money. If you find value in it, please consider supporting me in the following ways:

  1. Comment thoughtfully below.
  2. Share on social media:
  3. Subscribe to my newsletter.
  4. Make a donation:
  5. Check out my sponsors!

Sponsors

Thrivous Thrivous is the human enhancement company. We develop nootropics to enhance cognition and geroprotectors to promote healthy aging. Use code SUPERHUMAN for 50% off your first order at thrivous.com.

Comments