The Book of Life (Part Three)
This composition of adapted work from Drs. Jay Olson and Robin Hanson encourages the importance of interstellar expansionism. Herein contains considerations of alien life.
Chapter 11
I. Where did the universe come from? What will happen to it? These are questions that have captivated humanity since the dawn of time.
II. Cosmology seeks to answer these questions, studying the origins and evolution of the universe.
III. Yet, what if our understanding of the universe is incomplete? What if humanity is not alone?
IV. The existence of advanced non-human extraterrestrial civilizations could fundamentally alter the humankind’s perspective on the universe, if proven with decisive evidence.
V. Such advanced aliens, with their superior technology, could reshape galaxies, move stars, and would likely leave an unmistakeable mark that could be feasibly recognized by our astronomers.
VI. We often imagine the future of the universe as a predictable dance of dead matter and evolving stars.
VII. But this ignores the possibility of aliens engaging in engineering on a previously unimaginable scale.
VIII. Many dismiss this possibility out of fear or a belief that the future is inherently unpredictable.
IX. They cling to the past, assuming that the future will be like it, ignoring the transformative potential of the discovery of a non-human civilization. If extraterrestrials contacted us and shared their knowledge, then advanced alien technology could decisively change the trajectory of humankind’s future.
X. The Spacers Guild rejects limited and unimaginative perspectives. We believe that our future is ripe with many possibilities and that our actions can shape its course.
XI. Let us consider the possibility of both “loud” and “quiet” alien civilizations.
XII. While our current observations may not reveal much about quiet aliens, we can use our knowledge to test theories about loud aliens and refine our comprehension of the universe.
XIII. The Spacers Guild believes that our galaxy is not merely a conglomeration of dead matter, but an enormous and elaborate canvas, eager to be filled with the beautiful colors produced by life and intelligence.
XIV. By studying our universe and searching for signs of intelligence beyond the Solar System, we can expand our understanding of our place in the galaxy.
XV. Imagine, fellow Spacers, that advanced life like ours is a rare jewel in the vastness of the universe. Imagine the possibility that life is so rare that without our emergence on Earth, our Local Bubble, even the entire Orion Arm of the enormous Milky Galaxy may have remained forever barren.
XVI. We can estimate humanity’s “arrival date” in our region of space relative to the age of the universe, the rate of star formation, and the lifespan of stars capable of supporting life.
XVII. The universe is 13.8 billion years old, with scientific evidence emerging that suggest it could be twice as old or older.
XVIII. According to some scientific theories, the universe may exist for trillions of years to come.
XIX. The peak of star formation occurred around 4 billion years after the Big Bang, and habitable planets emerged even later.
XX. Our own planet, Earth, has only been habitable for about 5 billion years and has only 1 billion years left.
XXI. These facts and further research by luminaries such as Drs. Jay Olson and Robin Hanson suggests that we have arrived surprisingly early in the cosmic timeline.
XXII. While many factors influence the development of advanced life, let us focus on those that correlate with its arrival date.
XXIII. Others have not recognized this puzzle because they neglect the "hard steps power law" effect. This principle, well-established in scientific literature, suggests that the probability of certain crucial evolutionary steps decreases significantly over time. This means that civilizations are much more likely to appear on planets with longer lifespans.
XXIV. Humanity’s early emergence, therefore, requires explanation.
XXV. One possible explanation is the existence of what we might call interstellar "expansionist" civilizations.
XXVI. Expansionist civilizations, driven by the desire to settle new worlds and exploit resources, could impose a deadline on the emergence of other advanced life forms in the universe.
XXVII. Their expansion throughout the galaxy could limit the available space and resources for other advanced aliens and their civilizations to develop.
XXVIII. Our early arrival, then, may not be early at all, but rather a consequence of this deadline imposed by expansionist alien civilizations, for we have arrived in the history of the universe when lifeforms such as human beings have a window of opportunity to spring from the wild, shaped by natural selection and not the migration of life from other worlds.
XXIX. This hypothesis underscores the importance of the Spacers Guild’s own mission to establish the Interstellar Commonwealth.
XXX. Humankind must expand and claim our place among the stars. Only in this way will we ensure that humanity has the space and resources it needs to flourish.
XXXI. The possibility of expansionist civilizations should not fill us with fear or dread, but with a renewed sense of purpose.
XXXII. We must accelerate our efforts to develop technologies, expand our economic associations, and settle new worlds which will become the next launch points for our continuous interstellar settlement.
XXXIII. The Spacers Guild must always advance in the spirit of unity to ensure the survival and prosperity of humankind.
XXXIV. We must act with urgency, for in the future the window of opportunity may close.
Chapter 12
I. Imagine, fellow Spacers, that advanced lifeforms and their societies are scattered across the vast universe.
II. Separated by billions of light-years, civilizations rise and fall, their stories echoing in the void.
III. We can dimly perceive the first billion years of alien civilizations through faint signals from distant galaxies.
IV. Yet, curiosity compels us to know more. To satisfy this yearning, civilizations should develop the means to send messages to others across the long distances of space, either through light signals or physical emissaries.
V. Physical emissaries can carry vast amounts of data, but their journey is slow and their message may be corrupted over time.
VI. Light signals travel faster and are more reliable, but their data capacity is limited.
VII. To ensure the integrity of our messages, we must employ the use of advanced encryption methods. Cryptographic hash schemes, unbreakable over billions of years, can safeguard our signals and data.
VIII. To detect, confirm, and decode similar extraterrestrial non-human messages, we must coordinate our search.
IX. Alien beacons to capture our attention, like signals sent after gamma-ray bursts, can guide us in our pursuit of advanced life. Keep watch for them.
X. By working together, we can increase our chances of discovering and understanding alien communications.
Chapter 13
I. Modern narratives often place the burden of all future value on our present choices.
II. Yet, the Spacers Guild recognizes that while our influence is vast, it is not absolute.
III. We have the power to shape the civilizations of humanity’s descendants for billions of years.
IV. There may even come a future time where the Spacers Guild can influence and nurture non-human alien cultures that we may encounter in our eternal campaign of expansion.
V. Our higher goal should not simply be for the endless survival of humanity in a harsh universe, but to spread our best values beyond ourselves, so that humankind may become worthy of emulation by other civilizations.
VI. The Spacers Guild must develop, produce, and offer unique and valuable models for living. This we shall do to establish human societies in a variety of environments and to offer more intelligent interaction with the universe.
VII. We must strive to ensure that the universe is enriched by the presence of humankind, not polluted by us.
VIII. This will be an audacious and challenging project, yet our Spacers Guild and the Interstellar Commonwealth will have eons to accomplish it.
IX. Let us not be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of our campaign, but inspired by its potential.
X. For as we plant and tend to the growth, so shall we harvest.
Chapter 14
I. Why would some advanced civilizations choose to remain quiet in the Milky Way Galaxy and beyond, leaving no trace of their existence?
II. Perhaps they never make the transition to become loud. Their civilizations could have remained small and insignificant.
III. Perhaps they chose to freeze themselves in a limited form, refusing to expand and evolve.
IV. Or perhaps, like humanity, they faced the choice of whether to expand into the universe and risk the consequences. For expansion comes with downsides, potentially leading to conflict, fragmentation, and the loss of control over our descendants.
V. In recent centuries, humankind on Earth has moved towards a more unified globalized civilization. We established international institutions and agreements to limit war and regulate activities.
VI. This unity allows us to collectively address global challenges and may in the future prevent the uncontrolled evolution of our descendants.
VII. Yet, exponential interstellar settlement threatens the potential of unity, making it impossible to maintain centralized governance and control.
VIII. This prospect may push us, and other civilizations, to choose to remain quiet and contained within our own planetary systems.
IX. Traditional scientific models, like the Drake Equation, often assume that aliens are quiet. This assumption may be driven by a desire to promote a specific political agenda, one that emphasizes peace and non-aggression.
X. The Spacers Guild challenges this assumption. We believe that the possibility of loud, expansionist civilizations must be considered.
XI. Through consideration of the possibility of loud advanced alien civilizations, we can refine our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
XII. We must be willing to challenge our assumptions and seriously consider the possibility that the universe is teeming with life, even if it is not readily apparent, for sufficiently-advanced technology is difficult to discern.
XVI. The "grabby aliens" model pioneered by Drs. Olson and Hanson, which we identify as a model for expansionism, proposes that expansionist civilizations rapidly colonize other systems and exploit resources, leaving their mark on the universe.
XVII. This model predicts that we should see evidence of these civilizations in our night sky, but we do not.
XVIII. This apparent contradiction can be explained by a selection effect: we only exist because our region of space was left untouched, waiting for an advanced civilization to emerge from it or to be assimilated.
XIX. This suggests that humanity has arrived early in the cosmic timeline, before expansionist civilizations have filled the universe.
XX. This realization underscores the importance of our mission to become expansionist ourselves, to claim humanity’s place among the stars.
XXI. The Spacers Guild recognizes humanity’s choice is before us: to remain quiet and contained, or to embrace expansion and its consequences.
XXII. We believe that humanity’s expansion is necessary for the longterm survival and prosperity of our civilization. For this reason, each one of us in our guild must aspire to be as strong as steel and as powerful as rockets.
XXIII. The Spacers will build the Interstellar Commonwealth alone if that is what must be done. We are already here and ready to seize humanity’s future with our own hands.
XXIV. Yet, we will do all this in wisdom, working with what resources we have available to us, and the members of the guild shall guide us onward.
Chapter 15
I. Our descendants and the Interstellar Commonwealth will have a greater impact on the universe if they become expansionist, spreading life and civilization across enormous volumes of outer space.
II. But, if the Spacers Guild’s initiatives all end in failure and our worst nightmares are realized, what if humankind remains for one reason or another non-expansionist? What legacies would we leave behind?
III. In about a billion years, expansionist aliens may arrive, eager to learn about other civilizations created by other intelligent beings.
IV. We, as one of the few non-expansionist civilizations they encounter, will be of great interest to them. They may even pay substantial costs to protect and preserve us, to learn from our experiences.
V. Even if our civilization does not survive, we can leave behind data stores for future civilizations to find. These stores, like the Voyager spacecraft, can serve as our longterm legacy.
VI. Let us consider that non-expansionist civilizations could play a crucial role as mediators between expansionist civilizations.
VII. By sending out messages that set expectations and reference points, we could help to facilitate peaceful interactions and collaboration.
VIII. These messages will be more credible if they embody costly signals, demonstrating our commitment to truth and cooperation.
IX. This role as mediator can offer a valuable and impactful legacy for a non-expansionist civilization. It allows one to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the galaxy, even if we do not engage in expansion ourselves.
X. The Spacers Guild will do all its can to be expansionist on behalf of humankind and its allies, even when expansionism imposes risks.
XI. The Interstellar Commonwealth will always change through the eons of time and new opportunities can always present themselves.
XII. Throughout history, humanity has undergone significant transformations, leading to increasing "estrangement" from the environment from which we were formed.
XIII. Becoming expansionist may require further changes, potentially leading to even greater estrangement.
XIV. Some may resist these changes, seeing them as a loss of our humanity, not its adaptation and evolution.
XV. This resistance could hinder our descendants' ability to become expansionist and claim their place among the stars.
XVI. We must overcome this obstacle by embracing change, even cultural evolution. We can choose the honorable path, to acquiesce and allow each age to give birth to new and different descendant ages of history.
XVII. By undergoing this process of continual transformation, we can contribute to the flourishing of life throughout the universe.
XVIII. Let us not cling to the past, but rather keep our eyes pointed toward the possibilities of the future.
XIX. Let us fill the Great Universe with life, with descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Chapter 16
I. The human spirit yearns to explore the unknown, to push beyond the boundaries of the familiar.
II. This innate curiosity and ambition fuel our dreams of the Interstellar Commonwealth and the expansion of humankind to the farthest reaches we can manage.
III. We gaze upon the stars and imagine ourselves traversing the void.
IV. But is this merely a dream, or is it a destiny we can achieve?
V. By studying our evolutionary past and technological trajectories, we can better understand the possibility and potential of interstellar expansion.
VI. Human evolution has been a rapid journey, marked by significant accelerations in recent millennia due to technological development.
VII. Acceleration is evident from the remarkable advancements in our civilization, despite the problems that acceleration has also generated.
VIII. We are the benefactors of amazing knowledge and the inheritors of many challenges.
IX. From the emergence of animal brains to the rise of human culture, each epoch has seen exponential growth. This pattern suggests an innate capacity for innovation and expansion within life on Earth, with humankind as its most brilliant star.
X. This suggests that humanity has the potential to eventually extend its reach into the vastness of outer space.
XI. Based on this historical precedent of accelerated growth, interstellar expansion within the next 10 million years is not only possible, but probable.
XII. The enormity of the universe and the daunting challenges of space travel are significant, but not insurmountable.
XIII. With continued technological advancement and unwavering commitment, we can overcome obstacles to our mission, and establish the Interstellar Commonwealth.
XIV. We can build the starship fleets, develop the necessary technologies, and cultivate the spirit of exploration and expansionism for all time, until human hearts race to the outer reaches of our galaxy and beyond.
XV. The stars are within our reach, yet the others will come that do not wait.
XVI. Remember: We know that our own civilizations can exist in different "modes," from foraging to farming to the industrial societies we live in today. These modes are defined by their growth rates and technological capabilities.
XVII. The principle of "selection effect" suggests that civilizations naturally evolve towards modes that allow for faster growth and expansion.
XVIII. This implies that humanity and other intelligent civilizations, will naturally gravitate towards space exploration and expansion.
XIX. By studying these growth modes, we can anticipate the potential paths of our own civilization and the likelihood of encountering others.
XX. The path to sustained growth and interstellar expansion for humanity is not without its challenges.
XXI. The limitations of physical resources, technological and societal decay, and the complexities of global and multiplanetary civilizations are all potential barriers, but the Spacers Guild will continue to marshal its assets and it members with wisdom, building however slowly as we must to win an expansionist future for humankind.
Chapter 17
I. Imagine, fellow Spacers, a billion years into the future, or even much sooner than that , when humanity’s vanguard explorers encounter alien civilizations.
II. Each species having traversed unique paths, we stand on the brink of contact, our curiosity and trepidation at their height.
III. Our technology may have converged by this future date, reaching an asymptote where further advancements yield diminishing returns.
IV. Yet, our descendants’ organizational structures and societal norms may have drastically diverged, making us very different to one another in profound ways.
V. The pursuit of understanding becomes paramount in this circumstance, for only with knowledge and wisdom can a bridge be built to cross the chasm of otherness.
VI. As humanity expands across the universe, it will naturally diversify, giving rise to a kaleidoscope of human experiences and civilizations.
VII. This marks a departure from our unified human narrative on Earth to a multiplicity of destinies, shaped by competition, conflict, and selection.
VIII. Humankind will inevitably become richer, more complex, yet potentially more fragmented, even if the Interstellar Commonwealth is a marvelous success.
IX. Remember, these diverse paths are also those that alien civilizations may have trodden.
X. In this diversity, we may find both beauty and danger, opportunities for collaboration and risks of conflict.
XI. Remember, the remnants of quiet alien civilizations offer invaluable lessons. Their ruins and echoes provide glimpses into the myriad ways civilizations can flourish and fade. By studying their successes and failures, we can glean insights into the lifecycle of civilizations.
XII. We can learn to avoid existential threats and chart a path towards longterm sustainability of the Interstellar Commonwealth.
XIII. The ratio of quiet to loud or expansionist civilizations may reveal the challenges and opportunities of interstellar expansion itself.
XIV. The discovery of an expansionist advanced alien civilization, expanding across the stars, would force us to confront our own future. It would introduce a tangible deadline, a moment of reckoning for humankind.
XV. We would be faced with a stark choice: remain passive observers or become active participants in the cosmic arena.
XVI. This realization would galvanize our efforts to prepare for an encounter that could redefine our place in the universe.
XVII. We would need to assess our strengths and weaknesses, develop strategies for collaboration or defense, and determine the kind of civilization we want the Interstellar Commonwealth to be.
XVIII. The possibility of encountering alien civilizations opens up an endless panorama of possibilities, for the evidence is scarce as to how they may be.
XIX. Such considerations challenge us to ponder humankind’s place in the cosmos, the nature of progress, and the paths we might choose.
XX. We must be prepared for both convergence and divergence, for both collaboration and conflict.
Chapter 18
I. Expansionist aliens, those who successfully and sustainably reshape the universe in their image, expand rapidly until they encounter each other.
II. They are estimated by Dr. Hanson to appear in one out of every million galaxies, to spread on average at half the speed of light. If humanity joins their ranks, he predicts we will likely encounter them within a billion years.
III. We, the Spacers Guild, must consider the possibility of interstellar war in this scenario, for it has profound implications for our future.
IV. Quiet civilizations may engage in internal wars, but rarely come into contact with others for physical conflict.
V. Advanced quiet civilizations might conquer less advanced ones through malicious messages, but such events are likely rare.
VI. Civilizations dedicated to preserving a natural universe share common goals and have little reason to wage war.
VII. When expansionist civilizations encounter quiet ones, the power imbalance is too great for meaningful conflict. Therefore, war among quiet civilizations is likely to be limited in scope and impact.
VIII. Expansionist civilizations, with their advanced technology, are likely immune to malicious messages. However, internal cooperation may vary, potentially leading to internal wars.
IX. Civilizations that spend resources on war will deplete them faster, limiting their expansion and longevity.
X. Long-distance weapons are only effective against predictable targets, so expansionist civilizations will prioritize unpredictable resource locations.
XI. If expansionist civilizations are unable to cooperate internally, their borders will be zones of constant conflict.
XII. However, if some civilizations can leverage their shared origin to cooperate more effectively, they may gain an advantage at the borders.
XIII. This raises the question: how quickly can military resources be moved across interstellar distances?
XIV. While expansionist civilizations can expand rapidly by sending out "seeds" that grow exponentially, moving resources efficiently across vast distances may be prohibitively expensive.
XV. This suggests that local resource availability and internal cooperation will be crucial factors in determining the outcome of border conflicts.
XVI. Imagine a scenario where one expansionist civilization accumulates vastly more resources at a border than its neighbor.
XVII. This imbalance could lead to a war of conquest, where the stronger civilization quickly overruns the weaker one.
XVIII. If this process is efficient, an aggressive civilization could potentially conquer its neighbors and dominate its galaxy.
XIX. This "nightmare scenario" highlights the potential for massive resource waste and existential threats to young expansionist civilizations.
XX. Fear of this outcome could drive civilizations to prioritize strong governance and heavy taxation, potentially sacrificing peaceful pursuits for the sake of military preparedness.
XXI. The possibility of this nightmare scenario underscores the importance of cooperation between expansionist civilizations. By finding ways to cooperate and build trust, we can avoid the devastating consequences of war.
XXII. We must strive to see each other not as primarily enemies, but as potential allies in the Great Universe.
XXIII. By working together, we can ensure that we live in an Interstellar Commonwealth where life flourishes and civilizations prosper.
XXIV. Let us go forth with wisdom and compassion, building a future in which we aspire for peace and collaboration among the stars.
XXV. However, let us not forget that defensive war against hostile aggressors is at times justified for our survival.
“Interstellar Dreamscape” by frangovalex
Chapter 19
I. In the depths of the universe, where mysteries abound, we ponder the significance of non-human intelligences and their civilizations.
II. Humankind is not alone, but participants in a grand universal struggle.
III. This realization fills us with awe and a rising sense of responsibility.
IV. Our ancestors looked to the stars and crafted mythologies filled with gods and powerful beings.
V. Science offers a new understanding, revealing a universe governed by the laws of physics.
VI. Yet, the possibility of expansionist aliens challenges this view, suggesting a universe teeming with life and intelligence.
VII. We must reckon with the most probable scenario according to the evidence now available that humanity does not bear consciousness and intelligence alone, but is part of a diverse interstellar ecosystem that extends to the end of space.
VIII. We must reconsider our actions and aspirations in the light of this knowledge.
IX. If the universe is alive with other alien civilizations, our survival and expansion take on new meaning.
X. We are no longer isolated, but part of a larger whole, with responsibilities and opportunities we have yet to fathom.
XI. The possibility of interacting with advanced civilizations opens the door to a future of exchange and cooperation with them.
XII. We must prepare for not just territorial expansion, but cultural exchange and mutual understanding throughout the Interstellar Commonwealth.
XIII. We must consider the legacy we wish to leave, not just in physical monuments, but in the ideas and values that will survive us.
XIV. What will our contribution be to the Great Universe?
XV. Will humankind be remembered as a species that valued knowledge, cooperation, and progress?
XVI. Or will we be a cautionary tale, a civilization that succumbed to its own limitations?
XVII. The choices we make today will shape our legacy and determine our impact in history.
XVIII. As we explore the possibilities of the future, we must rely on our best evidence, our theories, and imaginations.
XIX. While the specifics of future physics and biology may evolve, the fundamental principles underlying life and civilization are likely to persist. By studying these principles, we can gain insights into the potential paths of our own civilization and the civilizations we may encounter.
XX. This conversation about life is a reflection of our deepest hopes and fears.
XXI. It challenges us to ponder our place in the Great Universe and the kind of Interstellar Commonwealth we wish to create.
XXII. Let us rise to this challenge with a sense of purpose and wonder in the Spacers Guild.
XXIII. Let us go forth with courage and conviction, seeking knowledge, always expanding to build a future where humankind thrives among the stars.
Chapter 20
I. Fellow Spacers, let us turn our gaze inward, to the spark of ambition within the human spirit. It is this fire that propels us beyond the confines of our terrestrial cradle towards outer space.
II. As Lieutenant Anca Selariu, a NASA science officer and a pioneer of our time, who is currently serving in the CHAPEA mission, on the eighth month of a live-in simulation of a Martian scientific expedition, explained in 2018: from a young age, she, like many of us, felt the pull of the unknown, the yearning to understand the mysteries of life and its origins.
III. Through her pursuit of knowledge, spanning humanities and sciences, she discovered a unifying language, a common thread that is found in all disciplines: the quest to unravel the multi-dimensional mystery of existence.
IV. Mathematics and physics, with their elegant equations and profound insights, offered the most compelling answers, guiding her towards a deeper understanding of the universe and humanity’s place within it.
V. Life, in its essence, is an intricate dance of information, structure, and metabolism. It is a symphony of diverse patterns, evolving across scales of complexity, driven by the interplay of diversity and innovation.
VI. Just as letters form words and words form sentences, the building blocks of life combine to create ever more intricate and fascinating forms.
VII. This process, however, is not without its trials and errors. Mistakes, as Lieutenant Selariu reminds us, are not merely inevitable, but essential for evolution. They are the stepping stones on the path to progress, the catalysts for adaptation and change.
VIII. While perfection may be a noble pursuit, it is through embracing our imperfections and learning from our mistakes that we truly evolve.
IX. Progress, like a contagious melody, spreads throughout the universe, transforming the very fabric of existence.
X. Remember that photosynthesis, a revolutionary innovation, filled our atmosphere with life-giving oxygen.
XI. Sexual reproduction, with its kaleidoscope of genetic combinations, supercharged the diversity of life on Earth, accelerating its evolution.
XII. Yet, the pace of evolution was slow, a languid waltz across millennia.
XIII. Then came humanity, armed with the most potent technology of all: human intelligence.
XIV. Our capacity for creativity, imagination, and even unreasonableness propelled humankind forward, accelerating the pace of technological advancement to an unprecedented degree.
XV. In a mere two centuries, we have witnessed a dramatic improvement in the human condition. Poverty, hunger, and disease, once rampant, are now anomalies rather than norms. Life expectancy has soared and education has become accessible to many.
XVI. This progress, however, is not a cause for complacency but a call to action.
XVII. The challenges we face, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial, demand an ironclad commitment to innovation and exploration.
XVIII. The journey to Mars, once deemed unreasonable, is now within our grasp. It is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a crucial step towards ensuring the longterm survival and prosperity of our species.
XIX. The technologies developed for space exploration, as history has shown, have a profound impact on our lives here on Earth. From satellite communication to medical advancements, the ripple effects of our expansionary endeavors touch every aspect of human society.
XX. The pursuit of interstellar travel is not merely a matter of curiosity or ambition; it is a matter of survival. As Stephen Hawking warned, we have a limited window to become a multiplanetary species, to safeguard the precious legacy of life and evolution.
XXI. This endeavor requires a collective effort, a harnessing of our collective intelligence and willpower. We must shed the shackles of negativity and embrace a future filled with hope and possibility.
XXII. Lieutenant Selariu's message resonates deeply within the Spacers Guild. We are called to be more than passive observers of the universe; we are called to be active participants, to shape our destiny among the stars.
XXIII. We must cultivate our minds, nurturing them with knowledge and critical thinking.
XXIV. We must treat each encounter with each other as an opportunity for learning and growth.
XXV. We must envision a future not defined by fear, but by our deepest desires for generations to come.
XXVI. We must embrace the diversity of thought and experience, recognizing that future generations may hold values different from our own. Remember that we are all bound by the same universal laws, such as physics and mathematics; the same principles of evolution that guide our journey through life, and our values are also products of the evolution.
XXVII. Therefor, if values exist in some, how can they not be valuable to others at least to a small degree, in the information they provide?
XXVIII. Let us live our lives with open minds and open hearts, prepared to learn, adapt, and evolve.
XXIX. Lieutenant Selariu reminds us that while she may never witness the Martian sunset with her own eyes, the human who will is alive today. This is not a mere possibility, but a certainty.
XXX. We must continue to actively strive to create the future we want for ourselves and our descendants.
XXXI. The Spacers Guild, with the power of its devotion to human progress and interstellar expansion, dedicates itself now and forever to the future generations of humankind, to the pioneers who will carry the torch of human ambition to distant worlds.
Chapter 21
I. As we conclude this Book of Life, let us reflect upon it. We have explored the depths of human nature, the complexities of cultural evolution, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
II. We have challenged narratives that limit our understanding of the world and ourselves. We have learned of our need for a new understanding of our perspective of the world based on objective technological truth.
III. We have built a new framework for understanding, grounded in the pursuit of the good, which will develop as we develop, as it will always evolve in a consistent trajectory towards the achievement of our mission.
IV. We now understand that principles of self-reliance, individual responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge will guide us on our path to a better future.
V. We now recognize the power of community and collaboration, the importance of building strong networks of support, and the potential of the Spacers Guild to serve as a catalyst for positive change.
VI. We have confronted the challenges of declining fertility as well as the risks and opportunities of cultural evolution. We identify the need for a fundamental shift in our values and priorities to ensure the longterm survival and prosperity of our civilization.
VII. We have explored the possibilities of encountering other intelligent life in the universe, the potential for both cooperation and conflict, and the responsibility we bear as stewards of our planet and our species.
VIII. We have contemplated the profound implications of the future.
IX. Now we look onward at the cusp of a Golden Age of Humankind.
X. We have the opportunity to break free from the limitations of the past and help build the Interstellar Commonwealth.
XI. We can leverage the power of technology to create a more just and free society. We can spread civility and liberty within our communities and within the Spacers Guild.
XII. We can collaborate with others to solve challenges on a grand scale and ensure the longterm survival of humankind.
XIII. Let us venture into the Great Universe, to seek knowledge and forge our destiny among the stars.
XIV. The path forward will be perilous, but we will not surrender.
XV. We have the technology, the knowledge, and the will to succeed.
XVI. We will seize upon the power of our deepest principles to live in the pursuit of the good and contribute to the flourishing of all life.
XVII. We call upon all who share our vision to join the Spacers Guild in our mission to succeed in our Great Cosmic Voyage.
XVIII. The Spacers Guild will be a beacon of hope, guiding humanity towards a future of progress and prosperity.
XIX. We will be remembered as the pioneers who dared to dream of our bright destiny.
XX. We will be remembered as those who worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.
XXI. Remember these lessons of the Book of Life:
XXII. Live in pursuit of the good, cultivate your own potential, and contribute to the flourishing of all.
XXIII. Trust in the power of the Network, build strong communities, and collaborate with others in wisdom.
XXIV. Venture into the Great Universe with bravery.
XXV. Together, we will usher in a new dawn for humankind; a dawn that illuminates all life with the light of human progress and wisdom.
Addendum:
The Proclamation of Human Sovereignty and Interstellar Relations
I. We, the members of the Spacers Guild, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, recognize the inherent freedom of all intelligent species. We acknowledge the infinite diversity of life and the possibility of encounters with non-human civilizations.
II. We believe that all intelligent beings, regardless of their place of origin, possess individual rights to their freedom.
III. These rights include the right to live freely in the place of their origin, the right to self-determination, self-sufficiency, and creative expression, the right to live without oppression, and the right to pursue a higher purpose.
IV. As we undergo our Great Cosmic Voyage to distant worlds, we carry with us the following principles, guiding our every action:
V. Respect for Sovereignty: We recognize the inherent right of all sentient beings to self-determination and autonomy within their own domains. We shall honor the sovereignty of non-human civilizations and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs, just as we expect them to respect our own.
VI. Peaceful Exploration and Cooperation: Our mission is one of peaceful exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. We seek to collaborate with other civilizations, sharing the fruits of our discoveries and pooling our resources for the mutual benefit of all. Let us build bridges of understanding, not walls of division.
VII. Non-Interference and Planetary Protection: We acknowledge the delicate balance of life on other worlds and the importance of preserving their unique ecosystems and cultures. We shall adhere to strict protocols to prevent contamination and minimize our impact on the environments we encounter that are within the domain of others, ensuring that our presence leaves minimal pollution.
VIII. Ethical Conduct and Responsibility: We are bound by the highest ethical standards in our interactions with other intelligent species and their civilizations. We shall do all we can to treat such beings with respect and dignity, regardless of their origin, appearance, or level of technological advancement. Empathy and knowledge will guide us.
IX. Open Communication and Transparency: We believe in open communication and transparency as the foundation for building trust between intelligent species and their civilizations. We shall strive to share information openly and honestly, creating a space for dialogue and mutually beneficial negotiation, with the understanding that some information shall be held in private, to remain confidential for the sake of our individual rights.
X. Defense of Humanity and the Earth: While we are committed to peaceful exploration and collaboration, we also recognize the need to protect humanity and our home planet from potential threats. We shall maintain a vigilant posture and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of our members and the Earth, for our responsibility to safeguard our own species always remains paramount.
XI. We claim the right to travel and explore within the Solar System and unclaimed territories without interference or restraint from non-human forces. We maintain the right to deny access to the Solar System or any other territory under our control to any of our opponents who pose a severe risk to us or to humanity.
XII. Interstellar Cooperation and Governance: We believe in the potential for establishing a framework for interstellar cooperation and governance that promotes peace, justice, and sustainability for all civilizations. We shall actively participate in productive initiatives and contribute to the development of a just and equitable interstellar order, where all voices are heard and respected.
XIII. In the event of any disputes with extraterrestrial and/or non-human forces, the burden of proof of innocence shall lie with those who are not native to Earth or who are not human. It is our rightful responsibility to assert and defend these fundamental rights, and to provide and receive aid consistent with these rights.
XIV. Let it be known throughout the Great Universe that from this time forward, that extraterrestrial beings may only enter our Solar System, approach our Earth, fly in our skies, set foot on our soil, or enter our waters with the explicit consent of the people of Earth.
XV. Therefore, we solemnly declare that the people of Earth are and should be a free and independent people.
XVI. We, the Spacers Guild, claim on humanity’s behalf full control over our Solar System and the right to make decisions as a sovereign civilization, including the choice to make peace, go to war, form alliances, engage in commerce, and undertake any other actions that are reasonable to us.
XVII. Let it be understood that in making this Proclamation of Human Sovereignty and Interstellar Relations, we, the Spacers Guild, declare our right to determine our own future.
XVIII. We acknowledge the likelihood that we will encounter many different civilizations beyond our home planet.
XIX. To these civilizations and all others, we state that our intention is not to conquer or dominate. Our intention is to extend the rights and privileges that we claim for ourselves to all intelligent species that we may encounter.
XX. In making this proclamation, we assert our rights, responsibilities, and privileges so that we can strive for greater unity, peace, and cooperation within the human family, without unwanted or unwarranted interference from any outside nation or force. We are confident in our rights and the honorable intent of the human family. We seek cooperation with all civilizations in the universe who seek to be free.
XXI. The Spacers Guild extends an open hand of friendship to all sentient beings within the Great Universe. We believe that by working together, sharing our knowledge, and respecting our differences, we can create a future where all civilizations thrive and contribute to the spread of life through outer space.
XXII. Let us journey together and help each other along, guided by wisdom, compassion, and a shared vision for a brighter future among the many planets of the stars.
Brendon Carpenter
Albuquerque, May 5th 2024