The assumption that a more advanced species will be non-violent, or that we will genetically engineer such tendencies out of ourselves implies a direct intent.... and that may not be applicable.

To go back to my stepping on an ant hill comment, such an action may not even have to be an act of immaturity or childishness.

If you are a homeowner of any sort, you have no doubt treated your lawn or your house for ants and termites. An incredibly advanced alien race may not even consider us to be of any more consequence than an ant mound or termites in the woodwork.

That is not to say they are cruel; they could just be indifferent to us 'puny humans'.


"Hey, Zorg.... did you see that investation over there? I didn't care when it chewed up the landscape over in that system, but they just sent a probe over HERE.... time to get out the Terminex guy!!!"