The Impact of Belief in Extraterrestrial Life

From the standpoint of transpersonal therapy, any conviction in a potentially superior entity—be it alien, archetypal, spiritual, or an enhanced version of oneself—can facilitate meaningful transformation within individuals and societies.

In response to a New York Post article claiming that belief in aliens is detrimental to society, I contend the reverse is true. A prior piece I wrote illustrates that it is not society that stands to lose, but rather the rigid frameworks and individuals who impose constraints on human development. In 1994, Dr. John E. Mack, a distinguished psychiatrist at Harvard, argued against mocking those who share experiences of abduction, asserting that such experiences are not indicative of a mental health crisis but rather a phenomenon that humanity must endeavor to comprehend. We are evidently not alone; we have transcended mere belief. Disregarding this truth will not alter our reality. What was vital to communicate then remains crucial today.

Have you ever pondered why Dr. Mack faced so much backlash for suggesting that individuals claiming alien encounters are not mentally ill? Unlike the frequent assertions made by shows like Ancient Aliens, he simply stated that these experiences should not be classified as mental health issues. The sheer number of people reporting such encounters would classify it as an epidemic if it were indeed a mental illness.

Dr. Mack’s views were met with significant criticism. He faced ridicule from his colleagues, and Harvard even attempted to remove him from his position—a highly unusual occurrence in academia. One might expect his peers to defend his right to express his opinions, given his esteemed status! If censorship prevails in academia, progress will stagnate.

Consider why Dr. Avi Loeb was able to state that Oumuamua could be an alien probe without facing the same level of scrutiny that Dr. Mack did. I still hope to hear Dr. Loeb express appreciation for Dr. Mack’s contributions.

This isn't a critique of Dr. Loeb; I simply hope he remains cautious in his pursuits.

The Significance of Belief

There is no question that belief plays a crucial role in human endeavors. Without the belief that improvement is possible, we would not strive for better outcomes. Interestingly, the efficacy of placebos can often be attributed to belief. The remarkable results achieved through hypnosis suggest that belief is far more powerful than commonly acknowledged.

If we lacked the conviction that improvement is possible, professionals in counseling would find themselves without work.

Why would anyone discourage belief in aliens, even as a topic of academic or philosophical discussion? Such beliefs elevate expectations beyond our current reality. If there are indeed space-faring aliens, it implies that humanity is failing in its development. Our species appears so immature that we prioritize conflict over exploration, as history has shown: the more divisions we create globally, the greater the chance that one of those factions may ultimately triumph over us.

Why risk giving those on the moon or Mars the advantage of higher ground?

Belief in aliens could inspire us to aspire toward becoming better individuals and citizens. It may drive us to want to protect our families, communities, nations, and the world, recognizing that in this vast universe, there is only one Earth and one humanity.

Such belief implies that if we falter, our world will belong to those who rise from the ashes or to those who come to claim it.

Moreover, belief in extraterrestrial life may lead us to commemorate those future beings who might wonder why we allowed ourselves to self-destruct.

Belief Versus Knowledge

For many, the notion of extraterrestrial life remains a matter of belief rather than knowledge. It serves as a speculative adventure that fuels literature, film, games, and discussions around campfires. From an archetypal perspective, aliens are an indelible part of our cultural landscape. Regardless of one’s stance on extraterrestrial life, this concept is influential enough to affect you, whether you are a skeptic or a believer. Your mental energy is engaged in either opposition or support, and both reactions contribute to solidifying this idea in individual and collective consciousness.

Repressed thoughts do not simply vanish; they often become amplified. Carl Jung, in his work Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies, posited that UFOs represent a necessary archetype—the superior other that might save us from our own destructive tendencies.

It is clear to me that we are still children—capable yet holding the keys to devastating weapons. Even if there are adults in charge, wielding such power can lead to unhealthy mindsets. The Stanford Prison Experiment serves as a stark reminder that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

I shouldn't need to reference the true story of Jane Elliott and her "Blue-Eyes, Brown-Eyes Experiment" to illustrate how poorly humans can sometimes think.

Belief in positive, archetypal structures is essential for well-being, just as belief in their polar opposites is equally necessary. Jung emphasized that if you repress your shadow, it will inevitably return to haunt you. We must first recognize the negative aspects within ourselves. Efforts to regulate others often become a misguided attempt to manage our own shadows, leading to failure.

Attempting to regulate others in order to manage ourselves inevitably breeds misery.

Before the emergence of psychology, religion served as a primary framework for understanding human behavior. Many, including myself, acknowledge the shortcomings of religious institutions, which have sometimes failed in glaring ways. This has led some to dismiss religion entirely, but the true issue lies within the human shadow. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely stated, “the only devils are those running around in our own hearts.”

I found it intriguing that my childhood church spoke negatively about Gandhi and discouraged me from watching a film about his life. From my current perspective, I recognize this as an expression of the shadow Jung described—rooted in fear. Why would anyone fear a humble pacifist offering wise counsel on restraint and self-reflection? The answer is simple: fear.

Why would individuals or societies avoid abstract discourse? Because it provokes thought, leading to questioning and ultimately transformation.

It is the darker aspects of humanity that have silenced the peacemakers throughout history. If more individuals believed in the possibility of peace, we might experience improved relationships and healthier competition—better sportsmanship, not the absence of competition.

Dr. Michael Gazzaniga's book Who's in Charge: Free Will and the Science of the Brain presents two key ideas: he argues that we are mere "meat zombies" and that consciousness is an illusion, devoid of free will. Yet, he also highlights an intriguing paradox in neurological science: when people are told they have no choices, their behavior tends to worsen; when they are presented with options, their conduct tends to improve.

Belief is as essential as the air we breathe.

Words of Wisdom

Dr. John E. Mack did not speak words of division; he offered messages of peace. You can listen to him yourself in a television interview from 1994—no one could view this and deem him a crazed individual deserving of losing his degree, position, medical license, or his voice.

In my view, his removal from this world was no accident. There exists a shadowy force that seeks to silence all peacemakers.

What kind of world do you desire? Peace or conflict?

There is a parallel between Dr. Mack's revelations and Carl Jung's treatise on UFOs.

I sense that there is something alien within individuals that mirrors cultural dynamics. As individuals delve deeper into their experiences, acknowledging that they possess a personal truth—even if shrouded in mystery—they may experience a spiritual awakening, fostering constructive and creative growth. This process can potentially be mirrored in broader society.

Thus, we find ourselves with a Transpersonal Therapeutic approach for individuals and cultures to evolve. Whether we view this in terms of extraterrestrial or spiritual phenomena, it illustrates how psychological evolution can enhance both individual lives and society as a whole.

What’s particularly fascinating is that this transformation is occurring organically. Jung observed that as societies become more materialistic, the prevalence of UFO sightings increases. In other words, you can attempt to eradicate all the mystics you want, but the underlying force will persist, introducing countless others to the mystical realm we inhabit.

Consciousness cannot exist without mysticism, nor can improvement transpire without belief. Dr. Mack’s assertion that “maybe we can do this in culture…” suggests that we can foster belief and enhance humanity.

In essence, he sought to inspire hope. It raises the question: why do we silence those who offer us hope? Ah, the answer lies in the journey.

If Dr. John E. Mack was perceived as a mad scientist, it was because he was on the brink of providing humanity with the keys to liberation—ready to free us from the chains of Plato’s cave.

Let the Light Shine In

Is the Age of Aquarius upon us? Does human consciousness ebb and flow like the seasons, the moon, or the stars? Individuals experience cycles of wakefulness and slumber. Does society reflect this pattern?

When Persian poets, Sufi mystics, Tibetan monks, Gnostics, spiritualists, mediums, lucid dreamers, near-death experiencers, DMT users, and even hypnotists and biofeedback practitioners reveal that there are more states of consciousness than most will encounter in a lifetime, why does society resist exploration of these realms?

We possess a greater understanding of outer space than the depths of our oceans, and we know more about those oceanic depths than we do about the vastness of our own consciousness.

The scope of individual consciousness often surpasses that of collective awareness. We all possess the potential for greatness, yet we tend to idolize only the exceptionally talented—those akin to Einstein.

An awakening is underway, and those who fear the Age of Aquarius harbor such animosity toward being ‘woke’ that they may resist the call to awaken.

In other words, if we could move past the questions of whether aliens are here, whether they are benevolent, or whether we should fear their intentions, the existence of the fifth dimension beckons us to acknowledge that they do exist, regardless of our denials...

Let the sunshine in, let it shine in... It is no coincidence that I, like Dr. Mack, invoke the fifth dimension. I urge you to listen to his words, as he articulates them more eloquently than I can. Although I strive to transcribe his words accurately, my hearing is not perfect; perhaps I misinterpret some of his statements. The host interrupted him, asking if the process he described influenced the writing of his book. The response was a resounding YES.

No professional in psychology can remain stagnant; growth is essential, or one's shadow will emerge to confront them. I can attest to this truth. Dr. Mack essentially affirmed this and continued:

“I went through this, too. I think we, as a culture, could acknowledge the possibility of other intelligences existing beyond our understanding. They may not conform to our teachings from Sunday school, but if we could accept that we inhabit a universe filled with spiritual beings—something cultures worldwide recognize, and our own culture knew until a few centuries ago—perhaps we could open ourselves to deeper experiences and coexist harmoniously with other life forms, facilitating collective growth.”

Now, you find yourself where I stand. Was I too harsh in critiquing the New York Post for labeling belief in aliens as dangerous to society? In some respects, they are correct. A society that embraces the concept of extraterrestrial life—however one defines it—engages in a psychological journey that fosters change.

While most may dismiss this idea and return to their routines, a few will react explosively. Yet, many will awaken and transform, becoming the humble peacemakers who elevate society to its next stage of maturity.

Now, let me share one last thing (let the sunshine) I encourage you to sing along with The 5th Dimension (let the sunshine in) Hey, open your heart (the sunshine in) Come on! (let the sunshine) And let it shine every day (let the sunshine in)

Just a bit of singing. I invite you to explore the YouTube channel “Eye on Cinema” for more extraordinary and visionary history. As we await the government's eventual acknowledgment of extraterrestrial existence, Dr. John E. Mack will stand as a more heroic figure than many academics currently recognized.

Recommended:

Knowing about UFOs Is Dangerous

So says a New York Post article, but dangerous to whom? solarchariot.medium.com