What is the alternative?  That we actually are special snowflakes?  I think that is the more terrifying eventuality - but of course, this is a decision anyone participating in the question has to make: are we special or are we not-special, and if either is true, what difference does it make?  Answer: it really doesn&#x27;t make any difference.  If we discover life on Mars or not, we still haven&#x27;t taken the time nor made the effort to talk to the dolphins and ask them what they think about it ..