Life on Mars, or elsewhere?
Lord Rees, the Astronomer Royal, claims that the discovery of life out there
[points at stars] would be a moment which would change humanity
.
Notwithstanding the surprising fact that anyone could be created a Lord for listening to static in the hope of eavesdropping on ET phoning home, would such a discovery change the way you view humanity?
This question assumes, of course, that the discovery is made by listening to little green men—and women—chattering light years away, rather than them landing in your back garden.
It may be that Lord Rees was ennobled for doing something really useful—like helping little old ladies across the road—and simply listens to static in his spare time. In which case, fair do's Your Lordship!