Disclosure, Doubt, and the Waning Wonder of the Cosmos
Barack Obama’s suggestion that aliens might exist is treated as a moment of hopeful curiosity rather than credible proof, while Donald Trump’s move to release government files on extraterrestrial life signals a public appetite for disclosure. UFO conspiracy theories are described as quaint and unusually optimistic—promising that truth would bring excitement—unlike darker conspiracies that assign blame to hidden forces. Roswell is presented as a dated myth rather than a solid case, and there remains no concrete evidence of life beyond Earth, despite Obama’s admission that the odds look good. Against this backdrop, the piece laments a broader erosion of wonder in modern life, where health warnings, addictive apps, and streaming culture drain attention and memory, making cosmic possibilities feel increasingly remote. Although the universe offers awe—supernovae, black holes, vast galaxies—such wonders remain impersonal without proof of life or avenues for connection. A quotation about knowledge widening the shoreline of wonder is invoked to uphold a lingering desire for mystery, even as the author remains skeptical of grand conspiracies and the promise of easy revelation. The piece closes with a subtle nod to the reader and a reminder to support independent journalism.
Source: spiked-online.com
