this post was submitted on 18 Sep 2026
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Yes/no is less interesting than your reasons for your answer. And most importantly, what impact does your answer have?
For me, it's a no. Because there's no hard evidence. And by not believing, I save a lot of time and lose absolutely nothing.
That isn't to say it's impossible. It's to say nobody has show me where it's probable, based on hard evidence.
And to those here posting that animals wouldn't count because they're not intelligent: you're wrong.
Question. Does believing cost you a lot of time or cause you to lose something?
Yes. Right now my tax dollars are being wasted by encouraging this false belief through selective release of evidence, promoted untruths and wasted time in Congress. It costs me quite a lot actually
Well, the question was just do you believe in aliens. Not do you believe they are here on this planet and what not. The whole selective release of evidence is part distraction part trying to gain popularity with certain groups to gain votes. And it very much is a waste of money. But it is what politicians do. If it wasn't this it would be something else. So I don't think believing in aliens is really responsible for this massive waste.
I was asked how the question burdened me. Pondering the unknown, especially as a lay person, is a waste of time. And it is made manifest in our current government. There is science out there that approaches questions of alien life, but I see none of that being discussed here
I'm not arguing, just curious on your mindset. I totally side with you on how much our government wastes trying to help itself politically instead of helping the people. And I also agree that there is real science out there. I'm just not following on how an individual person believing there are aliens elsewhere in our universe connects to the waste and such.
Because we should start with an honest discussion about how it actually does impact us. I would argue that individual belief is meaningless and counterproductive as a starting point
Meaningless was my take. Thus I didn't follow the cost part. But I see what you are saying overall. Imagine what we could do with all the money and effort that are wasted around the world. Life could be a lot better for everyone.
Yea plenty to worry about down here, agreed