This is the assumption. But is it the reality? How many different means of communication is there? We assume that a intelligent race would use math and that math is the universal language. For all we know it may be modulated gravity waves, or side tones in a pulsar. A really paranoid culture may hide their signal inside the background noise of space, and use their own particular language with the understanding that math is the universal language. We assume that other cultures will act and conduct themselves according to our method of thinking, however there is no real way of knowing just how a separate culture that has evolved separately from us would react to the environment around it. To assume that math will be the ultimate means of communication is a bit premature. I have found that seldom if ever does anything work as does on paper.

Tom R.
Black Deep

• Math is not the means - wandaqueen - February 24, 2005 - 12:52 UTC