He said that “There are two questions involved in communication with Extraterrestrials. One is the mechanical issue of discovering a mutually acceptable channel. The other is the more philosophical problem (semantic, ethic, and metaphysical) of the proper subject matter for discourse. In simpler terms, we first require a common language, and then we must think of something clever to say.” He continued, with a touch of his characteristic humor: “Naturally, we must not risk telling too much until we know whether the Extraterrestrials’ intentions toward us are honorable. The
