2008-04-22 rant

This is an idea that could be used for a base for some sort of a science-fiction story. It’s not particularly brilliant, in fact it is a little naïve, but I find it interesting enough to write down.

Imagine an alien civilization of social creatures. Their social instincts are very strong, the creatures are very empathetic and selfless, always ready to help each other. In fact, they are the perfect society, at least in the views of human morality. For visualization let say they are winged hominids, although tentacled slimy jellies would work too. In such a society there are always single individuals who are less “social”: selfish, greedy, with large egos. Although they are still almost angelic by human standards, they stick out like a sore thumb: they gain all sorts of riches and successes. In fact, selfishness, greed, etc. are considered to be virtues! Everyone wants to be like that, the mothers rise their children to be as naughty as possible. Alas, they can’t fight their nature and the differences are really slight when viewed from outside.

Now, imagine that civilization making contact with humans, as we are like now. For us they are the embodiment of all good – for them, we are the perfect beings. Both want to be like the other, and at the same time both secretly enjoy the way they are – secretly, because it results in regrets.