It's true that we should not succumb to despair, but what the retort fails to recognize is that focusing on the potential for hope and progress must take place in the face of the present prognosis for intelligent life. We should not forget that if we are indeed facing its “last weeks”, then it is all the more important to give our best effort and demonstrate our resilience. In fact, the retort itself suggests that “we have always managed to find a way to persevere”, indicating that despite our present prognosis, we can still move towards brighter future.
We should also be careful not to underestimate the power of hope and resilience. While it is important to recognize that other intelligent species may be able to provide insight and resources, it is equally important to remember that we are still responsible for ensuring our own future. We can harness the power of science and technology, and perhaps even more importantly, our own ability to join together in pursuit of collective goals.
Therefore, while it is true that we should focus on potential hope and progress rather than succumbing to despair, it is equally important to recognize the power of our own resilience and determination. In fact, there’s an old saying—“where there’s a will, there’s a way”—that speaks to this very point; so let’s use our will and determination to ensure the prognosis for intelligent life is positive in the future…or UrRong!