The weekend has arrived, offering an opportunity to unwind with something light or intriguing, or perhaps to explore the "unknown." If you're a fiction writer seeking inspiration, this article may resonate with you.

It's clear that many individuals, including you, dear reader, perceive science as conservative, unimaginative, and often resistant to new hypotheses that spark curiosity.

Scientists, perceived as close-minded, dismiss the existence of ghosts and extraterrestrial beings, scoffing at theories involving ancient aliens or the idea of reptilian creatures infiltrating our governments. This growing sentiment of disillusionment with science is alarming and widespread in society.

In contrast, the Victorian era embraced science as a beacon of imagination, creativity, and the exploration of the extraordinary.

Scientific advancements have allowed humanity to achieve incredible feats—flying, landing on the Moon, extending life, and probing the fundamental aspects of matter and the cosmos. Yet, these advances often come with complex mathematics and daunting terminology that can alienate the general public.

It's no surprise that many have turned to fringe theories in search of simpler explanations. One such figure is Erich von Däniken, who suggested that aliens constructed the pyramids—not just in Egypt, but globally. The claim extends to all megalithic structures, leaving many to wonder how primitive peoples could have moved massive stones.

This idea has captivated countless individuals, spawning an entire industry of books, documentaries, and museums, exemplified by the popular series "Ancient Aliens." A recurring theme is that science fails to explain these accomplishments, thus validating the alien hypothesis.

However, this notion lacks substance. The process of pyramid construction is well-documented, and engineers can propose numerous methods that could have been employed with the available resources of the time.

As an engineer myself, I have various theories on how the Egyptians might have achieved their architectural wonders. While I don't know which specific methods were used, that doesn't equate to ignorance of how it could have been done.

Moreover, my understanding of materials science and structural engineering far surpasses that of the ancient Egyptians. Given the task of constructing a pyramid, I would prioritize using composite materials like concrete, which are easier to transport and manage with a smaller workforce.

Rather than traditional stone blocks, I would design a primarily hollow structure, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower or even bone structure, creating a complex interior akin to "Escher's nightmare."

Fringe theorists often propose fantastical notions about pyramids generating energy or emitting electromagnetic fields. If provided with a fraction of the resources used for stone-cutting tools or transport ships, I could devise a more efficient electromagnetic field generator powered by the Nile's flow.

These fringe theories, constrained by a lack of understanding, come across as simplistic and dull.

Let me clarify: I don't dismiss the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors. However, my grasp of engineering leads me to believe that if aliens were to build structures, they would employ the most effective techniques available to them.

Interestingly, if ancient aliens did exist, enthusiasts may be looking in the wrong places for evidence. While exploring, I encountered remnants of old concrete foundations and unusual structures—traces of human construction likely overlooked.

My scientific knowledge fuels my imagination, allowing me to envision extraordinary worlds. For instance, I imagined a planet caught between two stars, perpetually illuminated on one side with a twilight zone in between, home to towering forests, cascading waterfalls, and bizarre creatures.

I envision civilizations creating biological habitats using living materials—plants forming homes, giant helium-filled creatures serving as transportation, and more.

Drawing from my studies of Earth's diverse life, I conceived an organism with a transparent head for an expansive field of vision and limbs resembling rotating wheels, communicating through light rather than sound.

Such imaginative constructs illustrate how nature's creativity far exceeds the mundane depictions often associated with alien encounters. Most descriptions feature stereotypical aliens—grey beings with oversized black eyes—failing to capture the diversity of life on Earth.

The myriad forms and adaptations of creatures on our planet highlight the improbability of such unimaginative alien portrayals. Nature, and science, are far more inventive.

The motivations attributed to aliens—typically revolving around power, control, or domination—are equally uninspired.

I enjoy science fiction, particularly the works of Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. Their novel "Roadside Picnic" presents a refreshing perspective on alien visitation, suggesting that extraterrestrial beings may not regard us at all.

This narrative reframes our place in the universe—aliens have their own concerns, and probing us may not even register on their radar.

Similarly, claims of alien abduction reflect a lack of creativity. With advanced medical imaging technologies, why would aliens resort to invasive procedures? Shouldn't we grant them the capacity for sophisticated remote sensing?

Fringe theorists often portray aliens as technologically inept, yet if even half of the UFO crash claims hold truth, it raises questions about their safety records.

In light of these theories, one might conclude that aliens visit to learn how to operate their crafts, seeking to adopt our advanced technologies.

Though I acknowledge the UFO phenomenon as real, I possess my own intriguing hypotheses grounded in science and engineering, which I plan to explore further in an upcoming book titled "Where the Hell Is Everybody and How to Find Them."

Ultimately, science is a wellspring of imagination. Consider the concept that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are tiny vibrating strings of energy, existing in hidden dimensions.

While reflecting on the Big Bang theory, I imagined a concept where the release of energy from matter could expand dimensions, leading to a cyclical universe—a notion that, while speculative, exemplifies the beauty of imaginative thinking inspired by scientific principles.

My explorations reveal that science offers a wealth of compelling ideas far surpassing conspiracy theories. I encourage you to challenge me, engage in discussion, and share your thoughts below.

If you found this article intriguing, please show your support—clap, comment, follow, and inspire me to continue writing!

Aivaras Grauzinis