Aliens and Us Introduction . If you believe there are aliens, even visitors to Earth, you must consider that these civilizations have evolved their knowledge and world, perhaps in ways similar to ours. They traversed periods of continual war, industrialization, nuclear invention, our current AI crisis, and crises beyond that yet unknown to us. What survived is what they are. Have they merged with their machines, maintained their identity, or been completely surpassed by their electronic progeny? Of course, we cannot know, but as to AI we can consider possibilities and options, at least to write them down. One current plan, emerging from all over, is to delimit or shackle further AI development. On this, it takes only one party not to comply to ensure our own destruction. Let’s consider the possibilities. Three Possibilities. The premise is sound and cuts to the heart of the Fermi paradox’s quieter implications. Any civilization capable of interstellar travel—or even reliab...
A recent paper in a psychology journal reveals that your resilience and well-being are determinants for your positive mental health. Yet this is not new; it is a common expression in the military dating from WWII: “Noli Illigitimti Carborundum,” meaning “Don’t let the bastards get you down.” It is not ancient nor Latin. The Selfishness Paradox. For your welfare, one way is to think mostly of your own welfare, progress, and wealth. The other way is to focus on giving yourself to the welfare of others. Both can be immensely satisfying. Many professionals and others follow the latter: teachers, ministers, parents, …