Clifford A. Pickover

Life probably exists on other worlds, maintains Clifford A. Pickover in the following viewpoint. Because the universe is affected by the same physical and chemical forces that brought about life on Earth, it is likely that other planets have simple—and possibly even complex—life forms. The author speculates that the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence would have a profound impact on society because human life would come to be seen as part of a larger cosmic design. Pickover is the author of several books and articles on science, art, and mathematics, including The Science of Aliens, from which this viewpoint is excerpted.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What fact leads Pickover to conclude that the development of life is easy?
2. Where might humans first find extraterrestrial life, in the author&rsquo...