Are we alone on this Earth?
by Peter J. Sumner
This question is usually heard when discussing the possibility of life elsewhere within the solar system or from other distant planets. This site is only concerned about intelligent lifeforms already on the Earth, sharing it with us on a permanent basis. There is nothing extra-terrestrial at all.
So what life am I refering to? Ghosts, jinns, fairies, elves, goblins and so forth should give you the basic idea. Childish nonsense? It is easy to believe that at least some of these do exist. What is more, we generally, and perhaps secretly, would like such things to exist. There is so much evidence available that suggests something other than human beings share our Earth with us.
Almost every child in the world grew up hearing stories of fairies, and indeed most people at some time or another have searched the bottom of their gardens hoping to find some delightful creatures. It is easy to say that these are just stories, i.e. pure fiction. The truth is not so convincing. The fact is that these stories have existed for so many centuries and exist in every country of the world in some form or another. They are often surprisingly similar in their descriptions of the various creatures. The act of copying, or retelling these stories by travellers can hardly be considered an answer when one looks at the age and remoteness of the sources.
Religion also gives us information that something other than humans exist on the Earth. The Holy Bible has many references to spirits and demons, whereas the Holy Quran includes a large amount of information about the Jinn. This latter being is described as being made from fire, as opposed to mankind who was made from clay. Interestingly, the Jinn is not considered an evil creature necessarily, indeed many became Muslims after having met and talked to the holy prophet Mohammad.
Of course, Hollywood has its own ideas and evil persists since it sells movies better! But not always so. There has been a strange trend recently to glamourize certain characters. The hidious ogre has become quite lovable (Shrek) and witches and wizards are almost normal (Harry Potter). This trend has perhaps prepared us to accept such things more easily.
Now, can we make an investigation to prove one way or another if such creatures exist? From a scientific point of view, probably not. But statistics is also a recognized science. If we could get enough evidence and filter the data appropriately, we should have a clue at least to the probability of such creatures' existance, and the statistics would provide valuable data for further research.
This is where you, the reader, can help. What is required? First of all, we do not want your full stories! Neither do we want names of these creatures. (What is the difference between a Gnome and an Elf? As an example, this shows the difficulty of attaching a name to such a creature - so we will avoid it.) What is required is simply a brief description of the form of the creature.
As an example, I have personally seen two things that I believe are non-human intelligent creatures. I would describe them as follows without attempting to name them.
A faint column of white light, approximately 18 inches square, reaching from floor to ceiling, inclined at a slight angle of perhaps 3-4 degrees sloping to the upper right. Normally in a pair, situated 6 to 10 feet apart depending on room size. They move according to my movements, but avoid obstacles such as furnature. Visible under filament bulbs but not under fluorescent lighting. Never seen outside or in bright sunlight. Occasional contact makes me feel very cold as it passes through my body.
A black shape like a shadow, approximately 20 inches high. Obviously, a live creature similar to humans. Often seen as a pair in my flat, apparently playing like children would. The body / head is out of proportion, the head being much bigger - rather like a newborn human baby. The head appears pointed at the top but since it is only a shadow, I cannot say if this is really the head or a hat. Not afraid of humans - does not run away! They can move light physical objects. Cannot be felt when touched.
Now it is your turn! Our forums are ready to receive your descriptions.