Winston Churchill was one of many renowned thinkers to speculate on extraterrestrial life (see M. Livio Nature 542, 289–291; 2017). Another, the natural scientist Robert Hooke (1635–1703), did so almost 300 years earlier.

Hooke posited that “there may be yet invented several other helps for the eye ... by which we may perhaps be able to discover living Creatures in the Moon or other Planets” (Micrographia, Martyn & Allestry, 1665).

Livio suggests that today's elected leaders should follow Churchill's example in heeding scientific counsel. In Micrographia, Hooke also warns against misinformation stemming from faulty perception: “The Understanding is to order all the inferior services of the lower Faculties; but yet it is to do this only as a lawful Master, and not as a Tyrant.” Reason travels well through time.