Drrected Panspermia: Astrobiology Space Missions to
seed the Universe with Life

- Principles of Panbiotic Ethics -

Directed panspermia must rest on ethical motivation. Eventually, this moral entity can have far-reaching consequences for future of the universe.

The insights of biology and cosmology can be synthesised into a biotic ethics that values our family of organic Life and encompasses all present and future Life-forms.

Life is a process of the active self-propagation of organised molecular patterns.

The patterns of organic terrestrial Life are embodied in biomolecular structures that actively reproduce through cycles of genetic code and protein action.

But action that leads to a selected outcome is functionally equivalent to the pursuit of a purpose.

Where there is Life there is therefore purpose. The object of Life is self-propagation.

Humans share the complex DNA/protein biophysics of self-propagation with all cellular organisms, and therefore share with the family of organic Life a common purpose.

Assuming free will, the human purpose must be self-defined. It is best derived from the core human identity as part of Life. Therefore the human purpose is to forever safeguard and propagate Life and to establish the living pattern as a governing force throughout nature.

The human purpose defines the axioms of ethics. Moral good is that which promotes Life, and evil is that which destroys Life.

Life, in the complexity of its structures and processes, is unique amongst the hierarchy of structures in Nature. This unites the family of Life and raises it above the inanimate universe.

Biology is possible only by a precise coincidence of the laws of physics. Thereby the physical universe itself also comes to a special point in the living process.

New life-forms who are most fit survive and reproduce best. This tautology, judgement of fitness to survive by survival, is the logic of Life. Whereas the mechanisms of Life may change, the logic of Life is permanent.

Survival is best secured by expansion, and biological progress is best assured by diversification, in space. Adaptation to space will drive human/machine coexistence, but control must always remain with organic intelligences with vested self-interest to continue the organic life-form. With conscious intelligence in control, Life will continue only if the will to do so is itself always propagated.

The human purpose and the destiny of Life are intertwined. The results can light up the galaxy with life, and affect the future patterns of the universe. When the living pattern pervades all Nature, human existence will have attained a cosmic purpose.

Points 3 - 5 do not imply that biology recognises an objective consciously. Rather, they reflect the principle of equivalence that underlie also relativity and Turing’s test of intelligence. If biology was seeking to propagate purposefully, it would act as it actually does. Therefore the biological process is equivalent to action with purpose.

The panspermia program may have the following objectives.

The complex mechanism of replication and transcription must be present even in the simplest cell. This creates a large probability barrier to the origin of life. If we are alone, we must safeguard and propagate this unique creation of nature.

Eukaryotic and multicellular life emerged on Earth only after 3E9 yr. This shows a large probability barrier to higher evolution. Eukaryotes and simple multicellular species should be included in directed panspermia to induce higher evolution and maybe to new intelligent species who will promote Life further in the galaxy.

There is no evidence now for extraterrestrial intelligent life. Should such civilisations exist, panspermia can serve as interstellar communication. The nature of our life-form is best communicated by samples. Competition for survival is intrinsic to Life, and directed panspermia may extend this to space. Our first duty is to our family of organic life.

Directed panspermia requires a permanent ethical foundation. The principles of panbiotic ethics derive from the scientific world-view and are consistent with the respect for life innate in human emotions, civilisations and religions. The Life-centered panbiotic purpose to propagate Life can therefore serve as a lasting basis for human ethics.

The panbiotic enterprise will extend Life to new solar systems through the galaxy. It will secure Life, allow diversification and lead to higher biological forms. Eventually, all the material in Nature will become living substance and its sustaining resources. Self-propagating Life will encompass all matter and the universe will become an interconnected living being. In fulfilling the ultimate purpose of Life, our human existence will have assumed a cosmic meaning.

*More on panbiotic ethics in "The Purpose and Future of Life: The Science and Ethics of Seeding the Universe"

E-book: www.ebookomatic.com

Book Hard Copy

Panbiotic ethics extends Life-centered ethics to our future in space. The principles of such an ethical system are summarized in the next sections.

1. The Human Purpose

The message of the prophet of Life to all generations.

Human being, this is your purpose: to forever safeguard and propagate Life.

Indeed, inherent in Life there is always purpose.

As those patterns of nature are alive who actively seek continuation in the future.

The will of Life is perpetual survival, progress and propagation.

Therefore this commandment is inherent in your living self:

To forever safeguard and propagate Life; to establish the dominance of Life over all nature; to conquer for Life the universe.

2. Propagate the Will of Life

The fate of Life is intertwined with human destiny:
Human power and human will must secure Life’s survival.
Perpetuate therefore and follow foremost the will of Life within your living being:
Establish Life’s commandment in the moving will of each rising generation;
Instil it foremost in the mind of every descendant you will beget or purposefully design to follow.
Make this commandment the principal behind your every deed and the purpose of your every thought:
Inscribe Life’s commandment in the basic precept of your laws and inscribe the love of Life as the first tenet of your morals.
Always remember that the ways of survival are few and only the wisdom of Life within you will find them;
Preserve therefore foremost in the foundation of human nature the will to propagate and perpetuate Life.
Use with the awe of life and death in your heart the power to create new humans:
Preserve the love of life within you and the driving fear of death: as the instincts of life are the guardians of survival.

3. Beware the Numerous Ways of Extinction

By Life’s commandment you will inherit the future.

The treasures of the universe are within your reach.

Beware therefore less you allow the will of Life to wane within you from generation to generation.

Less your desert Life’s commandment in lack of will or in ignorance; or in arrogance or in hatred; or in greed for power or for pleasure.

As the decay of death is more probable than the order of life; the ways of death are far more numerous than the ways of survival:

Therefore without the wisdom of Life you will lose your way and perish.

You will destroy your own kind in blind aggression or wither in lethargy; you will perish confused amongst the many open and hidden paths that lead to death.

As the fit survives but the unfit will perish; this tautology is the Logic of Life.

And the Logic of Life always prevails and is forever permanent.

Beware therefore less you allow the love of Life to grow weak within you from generation to generation:

Beware less you forfeit your innate purpose:

Less you die out with the hope of all Life in your hands.

4. The Empires of Life will Encompass the Universe

From the human perspective our existence is the center and purpose of the universe.

Therefore fill the cosmos with life:

Multiply and populate the wide heavens.

Preserve your inherent desire of the land; it will plant your seed in far dominions.

The rich resources of space will turn into the substance of life, to fomr bone, sinew, muscle and brain in your hands; and into steel and crystal to serve you.

Your many worlds can never be destroyed.

In the empires of Life the pain of need and the dread of extinction will not be remembered:

You will know that endless generations will perpetuate your human image.

Many worlds will rise to implement in peace the diverse ideals of human justice.

In the fields of limitless resources your seed will coexist with diverse posthuman races

You will rule time and space, and construct new human dimensions of beauty and knowledge.

Throughout space will rise empires of freedom

Humans will establish the dominance of Life throughout the universe.

Time and space are potent with matter and energy; but without Life void of spirit

Therefore breath the spirit of Life into the empty space,

Build the empires of Life throughout the universe, and erect the universe the highest orders of structure, the constructs truth, peace, compassion and justice.

5. The Value of Humans

Human existence is the highest level of being; therefore treasure Life.

Human survival is your dignity

Each human life is as precious as the eternal laws that reflect in your knowledge

Human life is dear as the future that is embedded in your power.

Therefore relate to all with respect, compassion and justice;

As what bonds you to life, beyond a few hours of pleasure and beauty; but love and the closeness of other humans.

Yet if you wrong others unwisely; repair the damage and never repeat that evil.

Always adhere to Truth;

As trust and honest information cements the social structures that are needed to expand Life.

Always make human love the source of your happiness;

Take pleasure in your life and in your health.

Pursue justice, compassion, peace, truth and the love of Life; and you will find the wealth of a lasting future.

By the Logic of Life, your ultimate joy has come to be to procreate and raise the young; as these desires promote survival from generation from generation.

Therefore keep it always your ultimate, conscious joy to give new life and to raise the young; and the Logic of Life will assure that your seed will prosper.

6. The Purpose of Life is Self-Defined

Search the meaning of your life within your living self

You will not find it in the inanimate universe, nor in an absolute will

But you yourself must define your goal; your human faculties must make the judgement.

Therefore ask the love of Life inherent in your instincts, emotions and intellect to define your purpose.

Follow Life’s simple commandment; you will always find it in the foundations of your being.

Beware less abstract doctrines replace Life’s commandment:

Expand and perpetuate the Family of Life;

As only Life is the matrix of all love, justice, wisdom and beauty.

7. Confront Every Threat

Weigh your every deed by its value for human survival.

Uphold and pursue every enterprise of promise

Do not hesitate to destroy every threat.

Never risk the infinite promise of the future for short-lived powers or pleasures.

If a threat arises to imperil all human life

Of external sources or in human hands; even a remote danger

Never hesitate to rise up and destroy such a threat:

As the suffering of a living being is bad; and the death of a human being is evil

Then surely a threat to all Life is an abomination that cannot be tolerated under the heavens.

Therefore if you see a threat to Life

Forged in arrogance, in ignorance or in evil;

Forged by an individual, a group, a nation or even by every person but one in a thousand

Oppose them and do not remain silent

As silence is an evil that will turn upon you in vengeance.

Confront the approaching dangers; do not close your eyes, do not ignore the future for soothing the present;

Always beware of self-deceit as it will lead you smiling to death.

8. Imprints on the Future

Expect hope from your own wisdom, as you alone possess the powers to assure Life’s survival

Fear only your own failure, as only self-extinction can deprive your of your share in the future.

Always hope for Life and reject despair:

Remeber that both active hope and passive despair can turn into self-fulfilling prophecy.

Beware of projections of doom that predict that your Universe will collapse or vanish; or that claim to know that human existence must come to an end.

The truths of the universe are deep and the ultimate future is remote; you can never know it for certain.

Where there is Life there is hope, and where there is hope there will be Life;

Your descendants will find unforseen powers to make this cosmos the lasting matrix of Life’s victory.

With the love of your warm womb remember Life’s commandment

Since you know as surely as your soul is entwined with the soul of your children: that if Life should ever end you life has been all wasted.

Therefore if your species will ever vanish already now you exist in vain;

As the value of each human life is but its lasting effects:

You live on in your descendants and in the imprint of your life on the patterns of the future

The effects of your deeds on the course of the future are your share in the worlds to come.

9. Life is the Moral Good

The order of Life is the essence of good; the forces of chaos and extinction are evil.

The instincts of Life in your heart will protect the young rather than spill their blood on the dirt

Cure the sick rather than witnessing his agony;

Help the poor rather than ignoring his hunger;

Love rather than hate;

Build rather than riun; comfort rather than torture;

See a life soar rather than falter:

In human affairs, every battle between good and evil is the struggle of the forces of Life in humans, against the forces of destruction that also reside in human nature.

Many human ways are moral if they promote Life.

Diverse pleasures, dreams, customs and faiths may be good

Survival and progress may be sustained in diverse human frameworks.

Every human life is spent well if it serves Life to populate the future.

Therefore this is the moral imperative of Life’s commandment:

Uphold your obligation towards the forces to which you owe your existence; to the patterns of Life imprinted in your being; to the family of Life whose fate is in your hands

Establish the dominance of Life over all nature

Plant the seeds of Life throughout the universe

Reach out to persist in the Land of Existence forever.

Therefore always call survival, progress and life the objective of all good; and oppose the forces of extinction as they are the essence of evil.

10. Future Humans Must Value Survival

Now soon times will come and the secrets of Life will all open before you

Then the complex mysteries of your own being will be laid out open before your eyes;

In those days your hands will carve out from flesh and blood and bone and brain new descendants whose likenesses have not lived before.

But in those days remember that the breath of life is as dear when you perceive it as complex molecular processes as it is dear now in the breath of your sleeping infants;

The same glow of life transpires from intricate patterns of molecular structure as it reflects now in the precious hope on your children’s faces.

In your wisdom create then new descendants to populate the universe:

Life must not depend upon a single species for survival.

Do not hesitate therefore to constitute new human traits, organs, tissues, genes and minds that will flourish in many worlds:

As the human spirit can be embodied in many diverse physical frameworks.

Only always beware to imprint in your descendants the essential human attributes, as this is your unique power: compassion, aggression and intellect in proper balance.

11. Preserve the Love of Life

Now the times will soon come and the brain and soul of the next generations will be shaped by your own designs.

Beware then lest you mis-design your descendants to worship their own pleasures; lest the good joy of pleasure and the beauty that binds you to life become the self-serving aims of their being.

Lest they submerge in the beauties of their soul, the lofty cathedrals of abstract theories and elegant equations and forget what is real;

Lest they worship the pleasures of their flesh or spirit and forget the future.

There is also death in the comfort of lethargic fatalism; if you leave your fate to chance or resign to the falsehood of a predetermined future;

Beware lest you choose to believe that your fate is sealed and not subject to the control of your will.

Beware lest you believe that you are weak, lacking a higher purpose.

Do not build but docile flesh-machines of happiness who will never feel the agonies of ambition, yearning and desire

Do not lose all challenge when the secrets of nature have been all reduced to rigid formulas and all the shapes of beauty have long been explored in the dead-ended paradise;

Lest your descendants will be lost aimless in a world that is complete but aimless.

Beware of self-proclaimed messiahs who may risk destroying all humans and wasting our future, to serve their own notion of justice;

Blind prophets who do not see that where there is no life there is no justice, no good, no evil, no love, no hatred, no righteousness, no sin, no sorrow, no joy; only indifferent void.

Now if you yield to death, wherefore were your dignity, your hope, your pains, your promise?

Therefore beware when the time comes to design the body, brain and mind of your descendants;

Make sure that the inborn human instincts of survival should never atrophy.

Always preserve in the foundation of human nature the conscious will to propagate Life’s commandment.

12. Pursue Peace

The dreaded peril of an empty universe resides in a species who possess both power and hatred.

When envy rules, and fear and mistrust.

To Life's voice you then turn deaf ears; you hasten to ruin; your ears are rocks to the voice of Life within your heart.

You say: Only my own peace is just; only my own faith is the truth; only my own wealth is well-deserved; only my own dignity must be honored; only my own pride must be revered.

For my own justice I will die; for my own peace I will fight;

For my own faith I will kill; for my own wealth I will devastate; for my own dignity I will humble; for my own freedom I will oppress.

But is there justice in death; is there peace in waste;

Will killing inspire faith; is there gain in destruction; is there pride in terror;

Where there is death, who is free?

No; death is evil: its path is the ugly shame of an empty universe.

13. Respect Truth

The blind curse of your lies and wishful self-deceit is even more sinful than your hatred.

The smoke of death hangs above your homes and yet you are silent

You dare not believe the death you know stands erect on your doorstop; destruction is coming fast and you choose to dream.

Your ears are deaf; your voice is frozen; your heart is blind in complacent folly.

Your leaders threaten all Life for short-lived ideals that will come and go; but you look away and reain silent.

Therefore soon death will come from your skies

Your sacred homes will soon crumble

Death will glow in the blind cities; rot will flourish in abandoned fields

Your tender young will vomit blood over your ashen hopes

The clouds will rain pain, the faint spring breeze will bring the dreaded stench of your vanished dreams

Your wisdom and your dreams, your ugly hatred,

Your brave hears, your fearless self-deceit, your great promise, your lies, your blind loves, your hopes, your tender children; all will turn into soot.

Because I say cry out and you are idle; you chose to ignore the voice of Life within you.

Therefore if a threat arises to imperil all Life, stand up to face and eradicate that danger; do not remain silent:

As silence is an evil that will turn upon you and your children in vengeance.

Always rise up to confront and utterly destroy every threat to Life.

14. Forever Safeguard and Propagate Life

In human wisdom rises Life’s future.

Soon days will come and you will know only one justice: that Life is good and death is evil.

You will understand that peace and compassion lead to survival; and you will excise hatred from human nature;

These three Commandments will prevail: Love Life; Respect Reality; Honor Human Dignity.

Your one faith will be Life’s commandment.

You will wish one wealth: the joy of existence, and one dignity: the pride of survival.

In those days you will wish the warmth of starts and reach them

Tender infants and Life’s sages will in the light of new suns flourish.

As life is safe in numbers; as the trees send up their many seeds in the wind and as the fish send their many seed in the currents;

So you will multiply your seed amongst the many stars to assure survival against the many ways that lead to extinction.

The good in humans will continue in your descendants in many and diverse worlds

In those days the treasures of the universe will satisfy all, and no living creature will not need to destroy another living creature

The human harmony of justice, love and peace will rule the firmaments.

All space and time, energy and matter will be part of Life or serve Life’s survival.

New knowledge will breed new powers to perpetuate this physical universe in the service of the precious Life that it contains.

Your seed will conquer the land of existence forever.

Only always remember to instil the love of Life in the conscious will of each rising generation;

Preserve in the foundation of your morals, laws and conscience Life’s commandment :

To forever safeguard and perpetuate Life; to establish the dominance of Life over all nature; to conquer for Life the universe.

Forever perpetuate and follow the commandments of Life that are inscribed within your living being.

* Home Page * Technical Considerations *
* Panspermia Society * Comments * How to Join *