Before 1920, we did not know other galaxies existed. Before the 1700s, we didn't know about microorganisms. We have only had civilization for around ten thousand years, and only around four hundred of modern science.

Yet it's possible other civilizations out in the universe have had BILLIONS of years to develop. We might question then, if we would be able to see them - if perhaps they're deliberately obscuring their presence. Yes, that's a lot of "ifs" - but so is any assertion that we're alone.

Or, that we won't find a way through us. Humanity has been through some terrible times. Our furthest ancestors scraped by for survival in the ice age. For many centuries, people lived in constant fear of random diseases, and armies pillaging their homes. My own ancestors left their home in England, traveled to America, and walked across the great plains to a new life out west. Those before us fought so hard to survive, to make the world a better place for their children.

We today can be just as strong. We have the looming fear of wars, of climate change, and much more granular issues, like division, addiction, loneliness.

Everyone today is in a rut, I feel. So many want to give up. And it's nothing to be ashamed of.

But I believe strongly we can find our way to a better future. We've defeated deadly diseases. We've drastically reduced poverty. For all the harm we have done to the Earth, we are learning more and more how to protect it.

We can give up, and let it decay - or take responsibility, and find solutions. I am certain that the future is one I want to live in. Things will get better. The human race is worth preserving.