Do you believe in life elsewhere?

[Munjibunga]

No doubt in my mind that life of some type excists beyond our back yard. With all that space out there I just cannot believe that this, on earth is it.

YES! Most definitely! Without a doubt!

Yes. In the vastness of the universe I think it's ignorant to believe that we're the only planet that is in the "comfort zone" to support life.

Absolutely, positively and unequivocally yes I do believe that there's "life" elsewhere. I think it's darn near naive to think otherwise (IMHO of course) given the seemingly limitless expanse of the universe and the sheer number of planets. Though I do believe that there may be things out there that really challenge our definitions of what "life" truly is.
We very well might not even know that we're looking at "life" in any given situation if we had the ability to do so...

You damn skimpy.

The universe is far too large to not have life other than on planet Earth. Whether it's simple life forms like bacteria or intelligent beings, they're out there.

I remember reading something a while back about levels of civilizations. I could be off a good bit on this, but a level one civilization harnesses the energy used by processing fossil fuels. A level two civilization harnesses all the energy of its nearest star. A level three harnesses all the energy of its home galaxy, which is near unimaginable. But hey, there could be planets out there inhabited with life forms that are so far more advanced than the human race on Earth that it's hard to imagine it, too.

Strange place, the universe is. But devoid of life other than here on tiny planet Earth? No way, bro.

I don't believe in other life in other places, I acknowledge it.

These are known as superstitious beliefs.

 

[Relic]

These are known as superstitious beliefs.

Whatever you want to call it, it still does not change a thing as to whether life exists out there or does not does it?

I mean if it does, it does, if it doesn't it doesn't regardless of how we define each others opinions.

 

[12bass]

Whatever you want to call it, it still does not change a thing as to whether life exists out there or does not does it?

I mean if it does, it does, if it doesn't it doesn't regardless of how we define each others opinions.

Sure, the fact of the matter is true regardless of what anyone might think.

The point that Munji and others are making is that, while there may be no reason to rule it out, there's presently no evidence to justify believing it either. Belief in extraterrestrial life is justified if and only if sufficient evidence for it arises.

 

[Horny Toad]

This doesn't pertain to the possibility of life elsewhere, but I've always found it thought provoking:

The Known Universe by AMNH - YouTube

 

[Relic]

Sure, the fact of the matter is true regardless of what anyone might think.

The point that Munji and others are making is that, while there may be no reason to rule it out, there's presently no evidence to justify believing it either. Belief in extraterrestrial life is justified if and only if sufficient evidence for it arises.

Sure, I get that. Makes sense.
I'm just of the mind however that it's so likely that life exists out there that I'm willing to take it on faith that it does regardless of the derision that that seems to cause in some others.

 

[vbsurfer3001]

Sure, the fact of the matter is true regardless of what anyone might think.

The point that Munji and others are making is that, while there may be no reason to rule it out, there's presently no evidence to justify believing it either. Belief in extraterrestrial life is justified if and only if sufficient evidence for it arises.

It's all over this planet, evidence of extraterrestrial life. Nearly all are afraid to acknowledge it, because it creates too many questions and defies too many beliefs that are dearly and jealously held.

So yes I believe, and yes I'm certain, and yes I've seen enough evidence to satisfy me.

 

[Muaguana]

Is there a reason you're sounding mad?

My opinion? Life is out there. Get mad at me, too, if you want, but my opinion is that we aren't alone, no doubt about it. 99.99% is functionally 100%

That wasn't my intention at all; I apologize if that's how it came across.

 

[Munjibunga]

... I'm willing to take it on faith ...

Exactly. Superstition.

 

[Munjibunga]

It's all over this planet, evidence of extraterrestrial life.

No there isn't.

 

[12bass]

It's all over this planet, evidence of extraterrestrial life. Nearly all are afraid to acknowledge it, because it creates too many questions and defies too many beliefs that are dearly and jealously held.

So yes I believe, and yes I'm certain, and yes I've seen enough evidence to satisfy me.

Interesting...

What evidence suggests that there is/has been any life of extraterrestrial origin on this planet?

The suggestion that we are not alone in the Universe does not threaten my world view in the slightest. I am not aware of such evidence and am genuinely curious.

 

[12bass]

Exactly. Superstition.

That term does not seem quite right... unless people are positing supernatural causation.

The word 'credulous' might work....

 

[Munjibunga]

That term does not seem quite right... unless people are positing supernatural causation.

The word 'credulous' might work....

No, I mean superstition.

su·per·sti·tion noun \ˌsü-pər-ˈsti-shən\

1a : a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation

su·per·sti·tion n.

1. An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome.
2.
a. A belief, practice, or rite irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by faith in magic or chance.
b. A fearful or abject state of mind resulting from such ignorance or irrationality.

 

[12bass]

No, I mean superstition.

su·per·sti·tion noun \ˌsü-pər-ˈsti-shən\

1a : a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation

That's ignoring that superstitious views generally attribute some form of supernatural causation and tend to involve irrational fear. The posts of many of the people above do not exhibit this. Their view may well be that extraterrestrial life is a perfectly natural phenomenon.

The problem is not that their beliefs are supernatural, nor that they incite an irrational fear, which would be true if superstition, but that they are credulous.

 

[Munjibunga]

That's ignoring that superstitious views generally attribute some form of supernatural causation. Many of the people above are not doing so. Their view may well be that extraterrestrial life is a perfectly natural phenomenon.

The problem is not that their beliefs are supernatural, but that they are credulous.

I don't see causation as a critical component of the above definitions. They are irrational beliefs not supported by evidence. I agree that those holding these superstitious beliefs are credulous. Their credulity is born of their superstition, or vice-versa, your choice.

You're arguing semantics here, anyway. The irrationality of their beliefs is the common thread, regardless of which word you use.

 

[BassyBill]

It's all over this planet, evidence of extraterrestrial life. Nearly all are afraid to acknowledge it, because it creates too many questions and defies too many beliefs that are dearly and jealously held.

So yes I believe, and yes I'm certain, and yes I've seen enough evidence to satisfy me.

I'd love to hear more about this! Please tell.

 

[Relic]

I don't see causation as a critical component of the above definitions. They are irrational beliefs not supported by evidence. I agree that those holding these superstitious beliefs are credulous. Their credulity is born of their superstition, or vice-versa, your choice.

You're arguing semantics here, anyway. The irrationality of their beliefs is the common thread, regardless of which word you use.

Yeah okey dokey.

 

[Munjibunga]

Yeah okey dokey.

As if ...

 

[MJ5150]

I do not believe there is life elsewhere.

-Mike

 

[jmlee]

The arguments for life on other planets have always been primarily statistical. It's a variation on the monkeys and typewriters argument that eventually one of them will type Hamlet. (See the Bob Newhart routine on that one...) The argument has gotten a bit more convincing now that Goldilocks planets have been discovered (not too hot, not too cold, etc.). But statistics don't prove anything. They just give the odds and they're still way long.

The problem, of course, is that even if life existed elsewhere, "elsewhere" may about a thousand light years that 'a way and the life in question may have the IQ of a bowl of yoghurt. Until someone lands on my lawn or I get an interstellar guidebook on how to cook decent risotto, it's all simply irrelevant. Next question...

 

[12bass]

You're arguing semantics here, anyway. The irrationality of their beliefs is the common thread, regardless of which word you use.

Ummm.... okay..... don't recall that I was the one quoting dictionaries to in an attempt prove my point.

In order to communicate clearly it is important to use the most appropriate terms. The term 'superstitious' is not the most appropriate, as its generally understood meaning does not apply in this case.
Still, if we were to think of paradigmatic cases of superstition, they invariably involve non-naturalistic causation - i.e. ghosts, luck, not stepping on cracks on sidewalk, avoid walking underneath a ladder, etc....

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Bad Luck, general
- Walking under a ladder is bad luck.
- Spilling salt is bad luck, to avert this throw a pinch of it over your left shoulder.
- Putting your clothing on inside out or backward is only unlucky if you remove the piece of clothing and turning it "right."

Bells
- the sound of bells is said to frighten away evil spirits, which is why they are rug at weddings, funerals, and on New Years Day.
- "Gremlin" bells are commonly hung on motorcycles to keep "bad" spirits from catching a ride.

Birds,
- Crows tell fortunes per the following poem:
One is for bad news,
Two is for mirth.
Three is a wedding,
Four is a birth.
Five is for riches,
Six is a thief.
Seven is a journey,
Eight is for grief.
- Crows - It is bad luck to have a crow fly across your path. To avert this, recite the alphabet as fast as you can, before the crow completes its flight.
- Blue birds are a favourite tattoo of sailors, ensuing a safe return home.
- Any bird flying into your house through an open window and out again is said to predict a death in the household.

Cats, black
- It is bad luck to have a black cat cross your path. This is a regional thing as black cats are considered lucky in some areas of the world.
- If a black cat walks toward you it will bring good luck to you.
- If a black cat walks away from you, it will take your luck with it.

Colours
Red - Do not wear red in an electrical storm, the colour is said to attract lightening
Green - Green was once said to be the colour of a witch; actors believe green will bring bad weather or "natural disaster".
Yellow - Believed to be the colour or cowardice.
Black - Believed to be the colour of death and funerals.

Death
- When a person dies and their eyes are still open, they are said to be awaiting the arrival of more souls of family members.
- It is considered inauspicious to speak ill of the dead.
- The inexplicable howling of dogs is said to foretell the death in the household.
- A last meal is often laid for the departed spirit, to assure them a good passage to the next world.
- A candle is often lit to "light their way."
- When a person dies at home, all the windows in the house should be opened to allow the soul to depart easily.
- Mirrors are covered so the dead will not be startled by their reflection.

Fridays (including the 13th)
- Never start a journey, a business proposition or a marriage on a Friday.
- Black Friday, also known as Friday the thirteenth (see separate answer in related questions)

Good luck charms etc.
- It is lucky to meet a chimney sweep.
- Carrying a rabbits foot is lucky (for everyone but the rabbit).
- Find a penny pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck.
- Hang a horseshoe (ends up) over a doorway, or in a room to bring good luck. If the horse shoe is from the rear hoot of a grey horse, all the better.
- Seeing a grey horse is good luck, riding in a cart pulled by one is even better.
- Finding a four-leafed clover is fortunate.
- Seeing a butterfly on the first day of the year will bring the viewer a prosperous year.
- Catch a falling leaf on the first day of autumn and you will not catch cold that winter.

Hygiene
- Sweeping at night will reduce your "blessings."
- Never sweep dirt out of your door, you will sweep your good luck out with it.
- Bathing at night is the equal of a cup of blood lost.
- Do not allow the birds to use your hair as part of their nest, as it will cause you to become confused.

Jewellery
- Allowing anyone else to wear your wedding band is an invitation for your spouse to be unfaithful.
- Buying opals for yourself is unlucky unless they are your birthstone.
- Certain specific gems (frequently diamonds) for example the Hope Diamond, are "cursed".
- A bride will shed tears for every pearl she wears to her wedding.

Mirrors
- Breaking a mirror brings seven years bad luck.
- Mirrors should be covered in a household in mourning.
- Covering a mirror during a thunderstorm will keep the thunder from shattering it.
- It is unlucky for a baby to see its reflection in a mirror before its first birthday. Doing so, could cause the child to have crossed eyes or to stutter.
- Looking into a mirror over someone's shoulder will result in a quarrel between the two people.
- If a mirror falls from the wall (unaided) and breaks, it foretells of a death in the household.

Miscellaneous
- Always enter a room/building on your right foot.
- Always enter and leave a building by the same door.
- Always enter and leave a bed on the same side.
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze, your soul is said to take leave of your body in this manner. This is also why people say "Bless you" to someone who sneezes.
- Giving a wallet without money in it will mean the wallet is empty in future.
- Never give a knife as a gift (the recipient should always pay, even a penny) or it will turn on its owner.
- Peacock feathers are unlucky if kept indoors, doubly so if you purchased them for yourself.
- Step on a crack, break you mother's back.
- Sleeping late, will cause a decline in blood (cause illness).
- Sleeping with wet hair, will bring snakes to sleep with you.
- Three people on a match (lighting three cigarettes on one match) is very unlucky.
- Do not turn a loaf of bread upside down after you have sliced it.

Umbrellas
- Opening an umbrella inside the house brings bad luck to the person, and the entire household.
- Opening one under a roof, you will drown the next time you swim.
- Placing an umbrella on a bed or table brings misfortune.
- If you drop an umbrella, you should not pick it up yourself. A woman who picks up her own fallen umbrella will never marry.
- An umbrella (particularly a black one) is unlucky on a ship.

Weather
- Rain on your wedding day is considered good luck.
- Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning.
- Seeing a rainbow, particularly one that is a complete arch, is good luck.
- Keep an acorn on the window sill will keep the household safe from lightening.

Weddings
- It is unlucky for a groom to see his bride, on the day of the wedding, before the ceremony starts.
- It is unlucky for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony starts.
- It is unlucky for the bride to wear her wedding dress (other than for fittings) before the day of the wedding. If she does the marriage is said to be at risk of cancellation.
- Purchasing the engagement ring and the wedding band at the same time is considered bad luck.
- Wearing your wedding band before the ceremony is bad luck.
- Dropping the wedding band during the ceremony will doom the marriage to failure.
- A bride should never wear the colour green on her wedding day.
- A bride should throw away all of the pins from her dress and veil to avert bad luck.
- It is good luck to find a spider in your wedding dress
- It will bring prosperity to the marriage for the bride to have a coin in her left shoe.
- Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. A bride should have all these to ensure a happy marriage.
- Before she leaves the house, a bride should feed the family cat (if there is one) and look at herself, just once in a full length mirror.
- It is good luck for a bride to encounter a lamb or a dove on her trip to the church.
- On the way to the wedding, it is unlucky to pass an open grave, cross running water, or encounter a blind or cross-eyed person.
- It is important that both the bride and the groom step into the church on their right foot.
- A groom should give alms to a poor person on the way to the church and the bride give alms to a poor person on the way from the church.
- The bride usually throws her bouquet over her shoulder as she departs the reception. The young woman who catches it is said to be the next to marry.
- Brides are often carried over the threshold of their new homes as it is unlucky to enter on the left foot, and unluckier still to trip when entering.
- Do not wear green to a wedding, it will bring misfortune to the couple.
- It is bad luck to wear black to a wedding, black being the colour of death & funerals.
- Marrying a man who's surname starts with the same letter as yours is said to be unlucky.
- The spouse that falls asleep first, is believed to be the one who will die first,

Wishes
- Wishes made on the first star seen of an evening are said to come true.
- If you make a wish and blow all of the candles on your birthday cake out in one breath, the wish is said to come true.
- Falling stars are favourite things to make wishes on.

Is a belief in extraterrestrial life among these beliefs?