This piece, written 32 years ago, offers a reflection on the enduring questions of human existence and the evolution of thought. I’ve decided to share it here, as it holds valuable insights that could otherwise be lost to time. Enjoy.
From the dawn of civilization, humans have been compelled to ponder their own existence. Unable to answer this profound question, many turned to the idea of a supreme being. Though not the simplest answer, it became the most convincing way to explain the complexities of the universe. Science, of course, has always countered with its own evidence, but the irony is that the very paths that led humanity to believe in a higher power also led to scientific discoveries.
Let’s take a step back. Human civilization began when people began to live in groups, forming societies. The development of language allowed for communication, and it was through these conversations that the idea of God likely took root.
As time passed, advancements such as the domestication of animals and the advent of agriculture ushered in the modern era. This brought the development of schools and universities, which in turn led to deeper scientific exploration. Eventually, the theory of evolution emerged as a counterpoint to religious creation narratives.
For most of human history, religion has been the dominant force in understanding our place in the universe. However, modern science, which has only gained prominence in the past 100 years or so, has challenged religious narratives, offering a new lens through which to view the world. This clash is not simply intellectual but deeply rooted in human nature. Religion, in many ways, is part of our genetic makeup, and its influence will not fade easily—it may take another century for humanity to shift its mindset.
While the development of religion has often been at odds with scientific progress, it has also provided a necessary moral framework. Without religion, it’s hard to imagine how society would have functioned. Even today, a scientist may pray in times of desperation, and a doctor may pray for a patient's recovery. Religion, though often at odds with science, has helped maintain order and instill ethical values.
But what if religion had never existed? Would we have evolved into a society driven solely by the pursuit of truth and knowledge? The debate over right and wrong might have been based purely on evidence and facts, not faith or doctrine. Without religion, humanity may have been more focused on scientific discovery from the outset, propelling us toward greater technological advancements.
Some might argue that religion has only brought good to the world, while others point to the negative consequences of scientific progress. But the harmful outcomes of science are not the fault of religion; they stem from human nature. Whether or not religion existed, the forces of good and bad would still clash, but the debate would have been grounded in facts, not ignorance.
As we look at the state of humanity today, we must ask: where have we come from, and where are we headed? Despite our progress, we are keenly aware that we may be on a path of self-destruction. Environmental degradation, nuclear threats, and the potential for catastrophic events like asteroid impacts make it uncertain how much longer the human race will survive. If we are to ensure our future, we must strive to leave Earth and spread our species beyond this planet.
And that brings us to a pressing question: Is there life on other planets? One of my favorite quotes from the movie *Contact* sums it up: "The universe is so big, if there’s no one out there, wouldn’t it be such a waste of space?" Humanity has only scratched the surface of the vast mysteries of the universe. With advancements in genetics, we now know that all life on Earth is closely related. The genetic difference between humans and apes is less than 3%. We are all carbon-based life forms, and the matter that makes us is composed of the same elements as cosmic dust. These facts suggest that the creation narratives found in religious texts may not be as straightforward as we once thought.
But what if we explore the idea of alien invasion? Why would extraterrestrial beings invade us? There are three primary reasons: for our resources, to dominate us, or to find a new home after ruining their own planet. Given humanity's history of conquest and resource extraction, the first reason seems most plausible. A more advanced civilization traveling light-years to reach us might be seeking resources or an escape from their own environmental catastrophe.
In today's technological age, scientific advancements happen at an unprecedented pace. What seemed inconceivable just a decade ago is now a reality. From mobile phones to artificial limbs, our world is shrinking every day. The question is: once we surpass our current technological limitations, what lies ahead? Will space exploration become the next frontier? While the developed world is geared toward discovering new worlds, building space stations, and advancing technology, the developing world still grapples with basic issues like poverty and disease. Earth is divided into two distinct realities, and the question arises: will the developed nations continue to advance, eventually creating a new form of governance for the world?
Let’s rewind a few thousand years to the time of the ancient pyramids. A highly advanced civilization, suddenly lost. Where did they go? As we piece together the evidence, we may one day uncover the truth. But there’s a striking parallel to the modern world: the advanced civilizations of the past were developing at a faster pace than others, just as the more developed nations today are racing ahead with technologies capable of propelling humanity to the next level. Did ancient civilizations possess technologies similar to those we’re developing today? Did they leave Earth to explore other planets? Or did they make contact with other superior civilizations?
Archaeological evidence suggests that some ancient societies were more technologically advanced than others. While some were still sharpening stone tools, others were constructing monumental cities and lighting their pyramids with batteries. Human beings have often underestimated their own potential. We are capable of far more than we have realized.
In my next article, I’ll delve deeper into the possibility of a superior world that once existed and explore where it might have gone. If you’re interested, you can join the conversation by emailing me your thoughts at rizenthoughts@gmail.com.
By Retnesh Raj
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