by hamilrob » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:50 pm
Well maybe I AM myopic. I think the pattern of life was defined by the same mechanism that defined the way in which gravity, the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force, and electromagnetism combined to bring about the formation of atoms and molecules. This earth just happened to be a place where life could develop. I hate so sound so closed minded, but I think some fortunate generation in the near future is going to be pleasantly surprised to find a continuum, not an abject difference.
Sooner or later, the term "extraterrestrial" will become outdated by discoveries continuing to show basic microbial and single celled organisms thriving all over the universe! they will show differences from planet to planet, but there will be some gross similarities. 100 mile LONG beings hovering in the atmospheres of gas giants is not something that I think will be realized. Richard Dawkins, I believe, wrote something about the genes being the essential living forces, arguing that genes make their way around the universe seeking organisms in which to express themsselves.
Thought: Does anybody consider that maybe WE are the et's? More on that later.
bh