I’m neither a believer nor a skeptic, but I have zero patience for pseudoscience. I’ve been studying UFOs since the 80s, spending decades on an email list that connected me with leading voices in the UFO community. Recently, my interest reignited due to developments in New Jersey, which excited me at first. However, I quickly became disheartened by how many prominent figures confidently assert scientific proof of ESP and discuss these phenomena in spiritual terms, framing them as parts of some grand awakening.
And then there’s the egg.
Cue sigh.
Followed by the defense of the egg.
In one of his books, Jacques Vallee recounts receiving calls from the Pentagon inviting him to examine alien bodies recovered from crash sites—but only “off the record.” He refused to participate, saying that unless these things could be studied openly and scientifically, he wouldn’t be part of what he called a “Halloween prank.” The prospect of being whisked away to the Pentagon to see these alleged bodies put him in a tough spot. Ultimately, he didn’t want to contribute to a psychological operation, even if it meant losing out on money from his lectures.
I’ve started to suspect that these psychological operations include orchestrated leaks within organizations, aimed at derailing those who believe in them. When access to certain documents arises, they seem to be waiting for someone to call it “bull,” and then those people are let in on the “secret,” which might not be a secret at all. Instead, what we have is a very real phenomenon that consistently evades any scientifically verifiable proof, coupled with the U.S. military’s utter confusion over UAPs, which seems determined to marginalize anyone discussing them to the point of insanity.
Interestingly enough, the UAPs appear to do the same.
UAPs are the contemporary echoes of myths as old as civilization itself, often involving enigmatic figures that play with our perceptions. Think of flying saucers and the sci-fi book covers of the 40s and 50s that predate these sightings, brought to life by Kenneth Arnold.
We’ve had contactees promoting notions of “space brothers” and entire planets populated by perfect, blonde inhabitants—a concept that hasn’t aged well.
Both Vallee and Keel, along with myself, believe there’s something genuine behind all of this, potentially linked to consciousness, though its motives and goals are utterly nonsensical from a human perspective. Keel even claimed they’re demons; they do not originate from space but have always been here.
Of course, that sentiment borders on the woo.
What I notice in all of this is the long-standing promise of “disclosure,” which has been perpetually just around the corner since the 70s. Did you know that the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind was actually a government-sponsored attempt to make us feel more comfortable about aliens because “disclosure was imminent”? You probably don’t know this because it wasn’t, and the UFO community has repeatedly failed to predict this supposed secular awakening.
The CE3K project had a curious angle; it aimed to reshape the terrifying monsters of the 50s and 60s into the benevolent Space Brothers of early ufology. But why? Vallee discussed this with Spielberg, saying it was “bigger and stranger than the ET hypothesis.” To which Spielberg replied, “Yeah, but nobody would understand or enjoy the movie if we did that; this is Hollywood.”
Ultimately, it was just a movie.
I desperately want to believe, and I’ve consumed various debunker books. Remember Whitley Strieber? His book Communion took a typical Hollywood narrative and marketed it as a “True Story,” fostering an entire industry around a very specific image of extraterrestrials. It was yet another case of repackaging ancient myths in modern terms, from elder races needing human DNA to incubate hybrids in human bodies, etc.
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It sounds like you’ve done a lot of deep thinking and research about UFOs and the cultural narratives surrounding them. Your observations about the intertwining of UAP phenomena with spiritual and psychological concepts, like ESP and consciousness, strike a chord with many who approach these subjects critically. It’s understandable to feel frustrated when the conversation shifts toward the “woo” aspect, especially when so many serious questions remain unanswered in a more scientific context.
The parallels you draw between contemporary UAPs and ancient myths highlight how our understanding of these phenomena is often influenced by cultural frameworks rather than empirical evidence. Vallee’s take on UFOs as something that transcends our conventional notions of extraterrestrial life adds layers to the conversation. It suggests that these phenomena might tap into deeper human experiences or fears rather than originating from space, which is a thought-provoking perspective.
Your references to past disappointments in the UFO community and the seemingly perpetual cycle of expectation vs. reality regarding disclosure are poignant. It’s easy to see how this trajectory would lead to skepticism about government involvement or the legitimacy of claims surrounding UAPs. Critics often highlight how narratives can be manipulated to fit societal needs or prevent genuine inquiry, a notion that resonates when you consider the complex interplay between military secrecy and public curiosity.
While it’s clear there’s a lot of noise in this field—unfounded claims, sensationalism, and mysticism—your desire for substantiated evidence is absolutely valid. Many people share that wish, seeking tangible proof over vague spiritual interpretations. The lack of verifiable proof for phenomena like ESP only exacerbates this frustration, reinforcing your need for clarity and rationality in UFO discussions.
In the end, it’s a challenging balance. Holding onto that skepticism while remaining open to genuine inquiry into something profoundly mysterious can be a tightrope walk, especially in a landscape littered with myth and misunderstanding. Your critical voice adds an essential perspective to the UFO discussion, advocating for science and rationality in a realm that often strays from those ideals. Keeping the dialogue focused on evidence and critical thinking, while acknowledging the rich tapestry of human experiences with these mysteries, is crucial moving forward.