'We Want to Believe' book explores the reality of UFOs: 'It's always going to be more likely that someone is wrong about what they saw' (interview)

In the book We Want To Believe, literary critic and Senior Editor at The Atlantic Adam Kirsch delves into the world of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and why they continue to captivate the human imagination. Kirsch argues that UFOs serve as a way to contemplate profound questions such as humanity's uniqueness in the universe, the existence of other minds, and our collective destiny as a species.

He notes that in recent years, mainstream media coverage of Pentagon UFO videos and a secret program to collect UFO reports reignited public interest in the subject.

Kirsch acknowledges the ongoing fascination with UFOs, even as evidence remains lacking. He observes that despite public excitement, these phenomena often fade away due to the absence of concrete proof. One intriguing aspect Kirsch highlights is the discrepancy between what cameras and witnesses perceive during UFO sightings, suggesting that these objects may not be photogenic.

Despite the lack of clear images, Kirsch encourages readers to question the assumption that unexplained aerial sightings must be extraterrestrial in nature.

According to Kirsch, the key to evaluating UFO reports lies in applying the same standards used to assess religious miracles. He emphasizes that it is sufficient to demonstrate that it is more probable someone misinterpreted their experience than that the laws of nature were violated. This logical approach aims to counteract the tendency to attribute unexplained phenomena to the supernatural.

Kirsch points out that modern science and education emphasize the importance of questioning one's instincts and embracing a more accurate understanding of the universe.