Why the search of ET Intelligence is of any significance for mankind (or even science for that matter)? Even if we assume that ET life exists, in all likelyhood, after spending billions of trillions of dollars, we may get to know that ET exists (assuming they do), are thousands of light-years away from us.
Apart from the curious "are we alone?", does answering this question, has any positive/productive outcome?
We are nowhere near billions of trillions of dollars spent on SETI (I'd venture to guess it's in 100s of millions for all these decadesat best), but.
Finding an ET would be event of scientific significance that can hardly be compared to anything else. Perhaps a manifestation of God's existence comes closest.
Apart from the curious "are we alone?", does answering this question, has any positive/productive outcome?