Chapter 1: The Essence of Love

Love is fundamental to existence. Everything I comprehend, I do so through the lens of love. All that is, and all that exists, hinges on love. It binds the universe. Love embodies divinity; to perish signifies that I, a fragment of love, will return to the eternal source of all. -Leo Tolstoy

Starting with the concept of love seems fitting. Is love a universal phenomenon? Is it exclusive to humans? I believe nature provides evidence of love's presence. Conversely, human shortcomings in love manifest in various ways, often linked to our understanding of love.

Carl Sagan's insights tell us that the Brooking Report implies our likely reaction to the discovery of aliens would be one of fear. But what if this fear signifies love? What if fear and love are intertwined? Humanity holds a unique position in this cradle of existence we call life. Reflect on how the arrival of a new sibling often stirs family tensions. Suddenly, there’s competition for parental affection and a need to share.

I would argue that sharing isn't our collective issue. While some may struggle with it, it's hard to fathom how over 8 billion people on our planet could collectively lack the capacity to share or coexist peacefully. Those hoarding resources likely grapple most with trust.

The presence of extraterrestrials would require us to elevate our love and sharing. Our lives would inevitably transform. The fear we feel is a recognition that change is necessary, and while we may have grown comfortable with our current lives, this fear indicates a reluctance to embrace transformation. Acceptance is often the final hurdle in the five stages of grief. Could humanity be on the brink of this acceptance? Are we finally prepared to acknowledge that "we're not alone"?

The universe does not conform to human desires, but when we align ourselves with universal truths, we often find greater satisfaction in life. NASA has been attempting to ready us for potential extraterrestrial encounters.

NASA anticipates that we could discover extraterrestrial life within the next two decades, according to NASA Administrator and former astronaut Charles Bolden.

The narrative surrounding extraterrestrial life is bolder than the language used in the accompanying video. Perhaps there is more at play here that merits discussion in writing?

In another presentation, Charles Bolden reportedly instructed NASA staff on preparing an emergency protocol for “off-planet people.” Off-planet people—could this reference be to us, humans? Why not simply use the term astronauts?

Alternatively, could he mean aliens? "Off-planet people" could indeed refer to extraterrestrials. UFOs, UAPs… Perhaps Lovato had a valid point in suggesting we should refrain from calling them aliens. Neil deGrasse Tyson should consider extending an apology to Lovato for his dismissal. I would have appreciated hearing him challenge Bolden on his use of “off-planet people.” What does that even mean? What kind of emergency response protocol is in place?

Delving into the darker aspects of this topic, Elizondo's conversation with Curt Jaimungal brought up a critical point: abductions don't appear to be benevolent. The concept of abduction and medical procedures—where humans are marked—can be quite unsettling.

At a glance, this notion troubles me. Some, like Dolores Cannon, propose that there exists a deeper layer of consciousness—be it the soul or the subconscious—where individuals under hypnosis report having consented to abduction.

However, I have yet to hear Travis Walton undergo such deep hypnosis. His account of the event remains clear and frightening. Over time, he has softened his view, suggesting that perhaps the beings meant no harm. Did they inflict pain? Yes. However, my recent visit to the dentist was painful too, but I accepted it for the sake of my long-term health.

My cat, though, would likely disagree with this philosophical stance. How many humans leap at their own shadows? We are social creatures, often responding to anxiety similar to that of a cat startled by a mere sound. If one cat utters “bird,” we all dive for cover! We might even turn on one another to secure our place in safety!

The staff at my local mental health clinic is familiar with me. They understand that I am a bit eccentric. My provider often jokes about my quirks, stating that she finds UFO discussions unsettling. She even advised me not to broach the topic during social gatherings. “Just try to be normal,” she says.

This topic still evokes fear in many. What does being “normal” even mean?

Are we not inclined to categorize all differences as fearsome? Growing up during the Cold War, I once corresponded with a Russian. In 1994, I traveled to Russia to meet her. On the flight, I reflected on my long-held fears about Russians; I had convinced myself they might harm me. To my surprise, the Russians I encountered were genuinely kind. This realization transformed my perspective. I had been misled, fed a narrative by the government that painted Russians as adversaries.

No group of people is inherently evil. Period. Shouldn't we extend this understanding to any alien species? Just as snakes aren’t evil, though they can be dangerous, they deserve their space. I prefer to relocate spiders rather than harm them. My bias may show, but I sincerely wish all creatures well—just far from my home.

Interestingly, I revealed a hidden bias during my train ride in Moscow. I encountered a Black man and approached him with excitement, thinking I had met another American. He responded in Russian, leaving me bewildered. My Russian friend translated, and we shared a laugh. I was embarrassed to discover that there are Black Russians.

Contrast this with my layover in Germany, where I was robbed. While I attributed it to my own naivety, I still felt grateful that the robber didn’t cause me physical harm. Does our perception of danger vary by location?

Is fear of others an innate human trait? It seems so. Yet even the man who robbed me had redeeming qualities. We met on the plane, and he introduced me to local culture, including a family member who had participated in a Miss Germany pageant.

Ah, humanity. Can we then assume that aliens will possess a range of attributes? Even among earthly creatures, we see similarities and differences. How many dog owners have been shocked to find their seemingly gentle pet bite someone?

Often, it’s not the dog’s fault; humans tend to misread animal behavior. Children especially may approach animals too hastily. More often than not, a bite simply communicates discomfort.

One incident may lead a person to develop a lifelong aversion to dogs. I, too, faced a similar experience with a ferret that bit me hard. Although it drew blood, I took it home, surprised by its choice of me as its owner.

Was it just a love bite?

Perhaps that’s all it boils down to: love. Are abductions merely extensive medical check-ups to assess species compatibility? Only time will reveal the truth. Until then, "How to Serve Man" remains a cookbook.