Much of current speculation about the nature of ETIs--what level of technology have you achieved?, etc.--is misguided. The first question an earthling should ask of an ETI is not: What is the level of your science? but rather: Did it also happen to you? Do you have a self? If so, how do you handle it? Did you suffer a catastrophe.
In "Lost in the Cosmos: The Last Self-Help Book," Walker Percy suggests that our current understanding of extraterrestrial intelligences (ETIs) is flawed. Rather than focusing on their technological advancements, he emphasizes the importance of exploring their self-awareness and existential experiences. The inquiry should center around whether these beings have confronted similar struggles, such as the concept of self and personal suffering.
Percy urges us to consider the emotional and psychological dimensions of ETIs, posing questions about their identity and experiences. By shifting our focus from mere scientific achievements to the shared aspects of existence, we can better comprehend the nature of these intelligences and the fundamental human condition that unites us all.
