All that is guaranteed by Alphomism is that consciousness will survive and flourish somewhere in the universe. If there is, and will be, no source of consciousness other than Earth, then we or our colonising successors will certainly survive. If, on the other hand, there are other sentient beings in the universe, then our particular flickering flame could be extinguished at any time. A strike by a huge comet or meteor, self-destruction through mismanagement of the planet’s resources; these and doubtless many other catastrophes could bring an end to all our wonderful progress. BACK