CONTINUED... Flash forward to today, what have we done with this new capability? So far I would say we've mostly squandered it. We've distrusted one another

CONTINUED... Flash forward to today, what have we done with this new capability? So far I would say we've mostly squandered it. We've distrusted one another (from different countries, and even within our own countries). We've created enormous devastation to one another, the planet and every species that has existed ever since. I wouldn't necessarily say this was "on purpose", but let's reflect for a moment on what has happened on this planet due to the extraordinary phenomenon that is human civilization. Now let's get back to the original title, which is (for me) a question as to how we should expect aliens, should they exist and/or should they discover and attempt to learn about / understand us as a civilization. We wonder how they would treat us should they encounter us in the not-too-distant future. I would propose that we already have a reference point from which to extrapolate. Humans have already experienced an alien invasion in my mind. But we were it. We were the aliens with extraordinary super powers. I think with that in mind we should reflect on how we behave and (dis)respect the other species surrounding us already. I think this could be a useful way to view how any other alien civilization might observe and interpret who we are as a species and whether or not we are worth "keeping around".