The narcissistic search for signs of other life in the universe

We were treated this week to yet another Star-Trekky report by NASA scientists about other planets in the universe that “contain all of the elements we need for life.”

But I’ve always felt that this quest for signs of life in the universe was fraught with the misguided notion that the solar system revolves, not around the Sun, but around us here on Earth. 

Indeed, it seems a profound reflection of human narcissism that life on other planets must contain all of the elements WE need for life.  After all, it’s entirely possible that other planets are already inhabited by beings whose needs for “life” are entirely different from ours.  

Moreover, if we have Columbus-like designs on colonizing any of them, we might be met by natives who won’t be as welcoming, gullible and vulnerable as the Indians.

So earthlings, beware….