about a year ago, i read an extremely informative and thought-provoking
work by a german scientist whose name i dont recall concerning the whole
issue of life in the universe, regarding informed speculation as to its
probability, the nature of a possible creator, etc.  it was published in
the early sixties.

at any rate, based upon the this work, and some other readings in the
area of SETI, the drake equation, etc., i would like to submit some
items of information that are not generally known, but important to an
informed understanding of issues relating to other life, other intelligences,
alien touristry, and the like.

o       we have yet to discover unequivocal evidence of another planet in
        the known universe.  it is almost certain that a gargantuan number
        of planets exist, but important to realise how limited our cosmic
        eyesight is, in terms of fine resolution.

o       the sun is evidently a third or fourth generation star.  it is only
        in latter generation stars that the heavier elements required for
        life as we know it (metals used for coenzymes fe, mg, mn, etc.)
        could be formed.  therefore, in spite or the youth of our system
        relative to the total age of the universe (roughly 1/3), it is
        not absurd to entertain the notion that we may be not too far
        from the vanguard of evolution and intelligence in the universe.
        - at any rate, the notion that there are extremely ancient
        intelligences becomes a difficult one to maintain.

the conclusion i am led to as the result of these and other
considerations regarding the narrow conditions under which life
as we understand it is likely to arise and be stably maintained is that
our role in the universe may be much more important than we now realise.