Quote:
Originally Posted by Veeger
Not to single you out, as many make this or similar statements regarding our inability to recognize alien life. The definition we have for life is the only one that is meaningful for us. There must be some bounds on what constitutes life, otherwise, why not say rocks are living or whole planets? Pretty soon everything is alive and then the discussion becomes pointless.
Our narrow definition is perfectly conducive to establish "life" as a rare and marvelous treasure; one worthy to seek out.
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I wouldn't be offended if you did single me out as this a tune that I sing a lot!
I don't disagree that we should have a definition to go looking with, but I have issues with the
way life is defined: whatever definition you have in mind as being meaningfull to us I bet there are at least a few things that are commonly considered not alive that fit it, or a few things that are blatantly alive that don't, and that makes me uncomfortable.
And I seriously think it is possible that there is nothing alive out there, at least within the places we will likely explore in my lifetime.
I also think that if the rest of the universe is barren it doesn't make the chemistry of titans lakes less fascinating, or the great red spot less remarkable, or the history of phobos less mysterious, or the hexagon around saturns pole less stunning, or the power of the sun less awe inspiring.....all these beautifull and complex things are no less compelling to learn about if we don't find life.