1968 01 00 Playboy - Arthur C Clarke

Magazine Overview

This is the January 1968 issue of Playboy magazine, a publication focused on entertainment for men. The cover features a festive, holiday-themed illustration with a man in a tuxedo and rabbit head, surrounded by framed images of pin-up style women. The issue is billed as a 'Holiday Anniversary Issue' and highlights a wide array of contributors, including prominent writers like Norman Mailer, Ray Bradbury, Saul Bellow, and Kurt Vonnegut, as well as figures like J. Paul Getty and U.S. Senator Stephen M. Young. It also features a pictorial on Stella Stevens and an art portfolio by Alberto Vargas.

Article: WHEN EARTHMAN AND ALIEN MEET by Arthur C. Clarke

Arthur C. Clarke, an astrophysicist and believer in extraterrestrial life, explores the profound implications of humanity's potential encounter with nonhuman sentient beings. He notes the surprising lack of serious factual discussions on this topic, despite its prevalence in science fiction. Clarke posits that while war departments have contingency plans for various scenarios, plans for Earth's defense against extraterrestrials are not publicly known.

He discusses the possibility of discovering evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence through archaeology or geology, such as finding advanced artifacts in ancient strata, or through the interpretation of ancient legends and art. However, he emphasizes that 'hardware' would be the only truly conclusive proof, referencing his own short story 'The Sentinel' (which inspired '2001: A Space Odyssey') as a basis for searching for such evidence.

Clarke considers the scenario of 'Discovery Without Contact,' where proof of intelligent E.T.s exists but communication is impossible. He also delves into the potential for detecting signals from other star systems, referencing mysterious radio signals monitored by MIT scientists that exhibit characteristics of extraterrestrial origin. He suggests that such signals could provide visual material, allowing humanity to observe other worlds and races.

The author contemplates the societal impact of such a discovery, likening it to the America of Lincoln's time tuning into modern TV. He acknowledges that while technological advancements could be rapidly absorbed, the psychological shock could be immense. Clarke also raises the critical question of whether humanity should announce its presence in the cosmic conversation or maintain silence, given our often unflattering history and behavior.

He argues that a global, cooperative effort would be necessary to formulate replies to potential alien contact, potentially leading humanity to speak with a single voice for the first time. The long wait for responses to interstellar communication would foster a different kind of research, focused on long-term projects.

Clarke suggests that contact, even if only passive eavesdropping, could profoundly alter human philosophy and religion, raising questions about the nature of good, evil, and divinity. The simple proof that other intelligent races exist could offer renewed hope, especially if they have successfully navigated their own technological crises.

Regarding interstellar travel, Clarke acknowledges its time-consuming nature, likely requiring multigeneration ships or suspended animation. He dismisses the idea that interstellar flight is impossible, noting that technologies within our grasp could facilitate it. He also touches upon the concept of 'territoriality' as a potential source of conflict, even with advanced alien species.

Clarke expresses skepticism about the likelihood of hostile invasions, arguing that any race capable of interstellar travel must have overcome its own internal conflicts. He also suggests that aliens might not find Earth particularly valuable, given their advanced technological capabilities to synthesize resources. The greatest challenge, he concludes, lies not in encountering aliens, but in humanity learning to live with itself, embracing gentleness and tolerance as crucial survival virtues in the cosmic arena.

Other Content

The issue also includes a variety of other features:

• Playmate Review: A nine-page feature on the Playmate of the Month.
• Stella Stevens Pictorial: A photographic feature on actress Stella Stevens.
• Alberto Vargas Art Portfolio: A collection of artwork by Alberto Vargas, known for his Vargas Girls.
• Essays and Fiction: Contributions from a wide range of writers, covering diverse topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of Playboy, as evidenced in this issue, is one of sophisticated entertainment and intellectual engagement. The inclusion of a serious, speculative article on extraterrestrial contact by a respected scientist like Arthur C. Clarke alongside traditional pin-up features and art portfolios reflects a desire to cater to a broad range of interests. The magazine appears to encourage thoughtful consideration of complex topics, even those outside the realm of typical entertainment, while maintaining its core identity as a publication for men. The themes explored in Clarke's article—the nature of intelligence, the future of humanity, and our place in the cosmos—are presented as subjects worthy of contemplation, even within a magazine primarily known for its lifestyle and entertainment content. The overall tone is forward-looking, exploring both the possibilities and the challenges of the future, whether in space or on Earth.