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Is the SETI project a waste of time and resources? Should we be spending our time doing something else? Some people point out that we need to spend more time and money on things like poverty and hunger, things here on Earth. I agree that we should, but I also think that it isn't the SETI project we should cut. We are a species who tends to be short-sighted, who has trouble keeping the future in mind, and the SETI project is actually one of the few endeavors we have begun which focuses on the future. It can help us to learn to think long term, and that will help us when we try to initiate social reforms. Perhaps instead of cutting space programs, we should instead look to reduce government waste and reduce military spending. The military does offer some benefits: it teaches discipline, and it provids our nation with a body of dedicated individuals our nation can call upon when it needs them. I think some of the ways we use our army are laudable, such as international relief efforts. Even peacekeeping missions have a noble purpose. But those do not requre large stores of weapons of mass destruction, and it does not require spending billions on a missile defense system that would destabilize the condition of the international community.
In short, you could say that I am a "fan" of space programs. I think they're a good idea and I think they can start us thinking about important things like who and what and where we are. I like the sense of wonder that the human reace has about space. All too often we lose that wonder and curiosity when we lose our childhood, but curiosity and wonder are really very healthy emotions in my opinion. We need to hold on to them.
But, enough of my opinion. What do you think? (Visitors to the philosophy portion of my page will soon discover that this is one of my favorite questions....) You can tell me your opinion by emailing me, Give it a try! To learn about SETI from the people who know best, you can go to the SETI Links page and visit some of the web sites listed there. Have a look--go Explore!
--Redwing |
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