The universe is big enough to have an almost unlimited
supple of various lifeforms, both non-intelligent and intelligent.
Some will look like us to some degree, to the point where we
can't imagine what they would look like. The trick will be
knowing when and where they existed
A big question is what is the natural inclination of the
universe towards creating intelligent lifeforms that
can evolve beyond their "natural" process of simply
maintaining life - to develop a consciousness that
allows them to understand that their time on a planet
is limited and can end by an event beyond their control
at any time. Can an intelligent life form interact with
the universe in a way to save itself by understanding
and manipulating the physical properties of the world
around them, (ie, respectively E=MC^2 and opposable
thumb). There has to be a good balance between having
intelligence and a physical manipulating ability to
change the odds against extinction.
Dinosaurs failed and as of now only Humans appear
to have - perhaps - the right balance.
Whales, Dolphins, Apes are intelligent but they are on
the road to oblivion - unless things change for them.
Received on Wed Jul 31 2013 - 21:57:01 CDT