Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds
(by Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle - excerpts 1686)
The Second Evening" 'Be careful, Madame,' I replied, 'for if what we need is that the Moon should completely resemble the Earth, you'll find yourself obliged to believe the Moon inhabited.'
'I confess,' she answered, 'that there would be no way to get out of it, and I see you've an air of confidence that frightens me already. The two motions of the Earth, which I had never suspected, make me timid concerning all the rest. And yet, can it be possible that the Earth shines the way the Moon does? It must, if they are to resemble one another.' "
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" 'Have no fear,' I replied, 'there's no indication that we're the only foolish species in the universe. Ignorance is quite naturally a widespread thing, and while I'm only able to guess at that of the people on the Moon, I've no more doubt of it than of the most authentic news which comes to us from there.'
'And what is this authentic news?' she interrupted.
'That which is brought,' I answered, 'by our learned men who travel there every day with their telescopes. They'll tell you they've discovered lands, seas, lakes, soaring mountains, and deep abysses.'
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"The art of flying has only just been born; it will be perfected, and some day we'll go to the Moon."
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"...since we live on the surface of our planet, they very well might not live on the surface of theirs."
