[ WP ] Earth is discovered by a peaceful coalition of civilizations . Turns out we missed several major technologies normally developed by now . The aliens are very confused how we got here .

The old joke goes that the one thing you can derive about the creator by observing his creation is an inordinate fondness for beetles. It was very difficult to get that out of my mind while talking to the emissary. It must weigh at least 500 kilos, but it is also strangely lovely in the way of a racehorse or cat.. The shell has a shiny lacquered finish, and is covered in what has to be body art - the alien equivalent of tatoos. It's holding what is obviously an input device of some sort in a pair of seven fingered hands. 
 
 `` TESTING. t.. *inaudible*ing? Testing. This a good level? Oh, good. And now, for the boilerplate legalese. I do apologize, but it has been tradition for half a billion years.'' 
 
 `` According to the foundational laws of the Accord, we welcome you to commonwealth of the stars, and offer the wisdom of the ages as to how to safely handle the instrumentalities of Armageddon, which you have recently discovered lest the universe entire be rendered unlivable.'' 
 
 `` Yada, yada yada. I see you looking a bit pale. Do n't worry - We have excellent protocols for safe AI design, genomic engineering and self-replicant design. They've held for 3 billion years and thousands of species! They'll work just as well for humanity. It's important, but it's routine. New species evolves, manages to not kill itself, ascends the path of mastery over the physical universe until they reach the level where they might do something large scale stupid, and we advise them how not to do that. Then they dont. Perfectly normal!. `` 
 
 The emissary must have spent a lot of time studying human body language. I can imagine no other explanation for how a giant beetle could convey curiosity to me by posture. 
 
 ``.... But.. Our sociologists and political scientists are very curious! How on earth did you manage to get this sophisticated a technological base up and running with this kind of tax system? You invented the Land Value Tax and *you are not using it* That's unique! And your IP laws? Tell me, where the legislators that came up with them very high?''
