“If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn’t turn out well for the Native Americans.”
- January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018
- British
- Theoretical physicist, science writer
- Announced the black hole singularity theorem and Hawking radiation, and contributed to the popularization of science with his book “Talking about the Universe”
Quote
“If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn’t turn out well for the Native Americans.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking draws a parallel between the potential arrival of alien civilizations on Earth and the historical encounter between European explorers and indigenous peoples of the Americas. The comparison suggests that, much like the Columbian exchange that followed Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World, the arrival of a technologically superior alien species could have devastating consequences for humanity. In the 15th century, Columbus’s discovery of the Americas marked the beginning of European colonization, which led to the decimation of native populations through disease, violence, and cultural assimilation. Hawking warns that an encounter with aliens, if they were vastly more advanced than us, could similarly result in exploitation, domination, or even the extinction of humanity, as the indigenous peoples of the Americas suffered in the wake of European contact.
Hawking’s concern taps into a broader fear about the consequences of contact with extraterrestrial life. While the discovery of intelligent alien life could offer profound opportunities for knowledge and cooperation, the historical precedent suggests that disparities in technological power could lead to disaster for the less advanced civilization. This cautionary view mirrors the Fermi Paradox, which raises the question: if the universe is teeming with intelligent life, why haven’t we encountered other civilizations? One possible explanation is that advanced civilizations may avoid contact with less developed ones, fearing the negative outcomes of such encounters.
Hawking’s statement also serves as a warning about the potential risks of humanity’s increasing technological capabilities. As we develop more powerful technologies—such as space travel and artificial intelligence—our own civilization may soon reach the point where it could send out signals or make contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. The prospect of encountering alien life is a double-edged sword, offering both the potential for extraordinary discoveries and the very real risk of unforeseen consequences. While Hawking did not rule out the possibility of peaceful coexistence, his comparison to Columbus highlights the need for caution and preparedness when dealing with the unknown, whether it be in space or on Earth.
