Futurology

The answer to that one is simple denial. We have plenty of evidence of aliens visiting Earth. It’s all over the news. But the implications terrify us so deeply we refuse to acknowledge that it’s happening.

The first time you saw an TEM-generated image, did you say to yourself “This is obviously photoshopped”?

No? Why not? Seeing an image of individual atoms is actually kind of hard to believe. Why did a single photograph and a statement from whoever was presenting it convince you?

It’s not a lack of evidence that’s keeping us from recognizing aliens. We’ve all accepted far more outlandish claims with less evidence. So you’re telling me my body can turn genes on and off by attaching methyl groups to the chromosomes? Sure I believe it. Why? Because you’ve presented me with enough evidence that I can rule out the possibility that methylation is a hoax? Because I’ve determined the character and validity of all the scientists whose careers depend on being able to sell this methylation narrative?

No. It’s not based on evidence, nor is it based on the reliability of the witnesses who’ve claimed it.

I’m willing to believe in methylation — based on far, far less evidence than I’ve seen for alien craft operating in Earth’s atmosphere — because it is unthreatening.

The enormously strict criteria people set out for themselves when acknowledging alien visitation is not a function of etymological rigor. It’s a function of the degree to which alien contact overturns their life plans, and hence is a belief which comes with a lot of hassle.