starman2003 wrote:There were plenty of precursor technologies, like the code breaking machines of WWII.
Sure, if you look at the history, information processors (calculators/computers) follow a logical innovation/diffusion curve (despite the near
'priest-hood' status early computer scientists held). However, transistors and integrated circuitry revolutionized the electronic digital (and analog) computer era. Crystal/silicon microprocessors (instead of vacuum tubes & electromagnetic switches) miniaturize data processing (and amplify programming languages). I agree with your general point, but I'll entertain the idea that some kind of
'reverse engineered' incident provided scientists or solid-state physicists in particular, technological
'inference.' Day after Roswell, perhaps.
Oh yeah Corso....I don't buy that, and nor do the brightest people I've seen on certain forums. UFOs are still way beyond our capability.
'brightest people,' You know, we have ciphers made by humans that go unsolved. Unsolved math problems. Natural mysteries. Unexplored knowledge. UFOs remain beyond our capability, sure, but perhaps we're capable of reverse-engineering the
'bits and pieces' that make sense to us right now.
You'd think that if they could reverse engineer alien gear beginning in 1947, we wouldn't still rely on reaction mass.
Perhaps it's not an
all-or-nothing incident. Furthermore, if you could classify/patent advanced technologies, wouldn't you make a
little money on the side by drip-feeding the consumer market? After-all, it's called the military-information (formerly industrial) complex... The consumer-electronics market got most of its tech from military R&D.
They develop classified stuff.
True, but do they develop it
? Empire building is a serious game. Humans are intelligent creatures, but the 19-20th century caused an innovation
'quickening.' Who unlocked Pandora's box? Or is it another great technological transition, like stone to bronze (hint hint- we're going to become telepathic)? Lastly, beyond the surface of what we can know... Does it truly matter if aliens are here on Earth? Would they grant us
'enlightenment?' It's not like they'd be able to cure our existential angst or flawed cosmology.
Side-note: Aliens could be time travelers, and we could be aliens.
Side-note 2: It could be a psychological operation.
Side-note 3: