First Contact: If we could communicate with the intelligent life behind UFOs, what should be our first question?

This is a truly fascinating question. Many people's first reaction might be to ask, "Who are you?" or "Where do you come from?" But I don't think that's the best approach.

Consider this: if an ancient primitive human suddenly appeared before you, and you asked them: "Who are you? Which cave do you come from?" They might tell you their name is "Stone" and they come from "the cave by the big river." For you, this answer would convey almost zero information; you wouldn't understand what they were talking about, because your cognitive frameworks are entirely different. Similarly, if an extraterrestrial intelligence told us they came from "Gliese 581g in the third spiral arm of the Andromeda Galaxy," it would just be a string of astronomical code that we couldn't verify, and thus largely meaningless.

Furthermore, directly asking "What are you here for?" is a bit too direct, even carrying a tone of interrogation and distrust, like a security guard questioning someone at the entrance. This could make the atmosphere of the initial encounter tense.

Therefore, I believe the first question shouldn't be about satisfying our own curiosity by extracting "information," but rather about establishing a "relationship" – a sustainable, meaningful exchange. This question should both convey our goodwill and demonstrate our wisdom, and most importantly, allow us to discern their true nature from their answer – what "kind" of intelligent life they are.

If I were to ask, I would pose a more open-ended, philosophical question:

"What advice do you have for a species like ours, standing at the crossroads of civilization?"

Why this question?

1. It's a humble stance: This question first acknowledges that we are not perfect, that we have our own troubles and dilemmas ("standing at the crossroads"). This is a frankness that is neither servile nor arrogant. We don't pretend to be the perfect masters of this planet; this honesty itself is a gesture of goodwill.

2. It acts as a "filter": Their answer will reveal their core values.

   • If they respond: "These are your own problems; we do not interfere." Then we know they are "observers," adhering to some cosmic law, and we shouldn't expect them to be saviors.
   • If they respond: "Abandon your conflicts and weapons." Then we know they are "pacifists," highly wary of violence.
   • If they respond: "The key lies in energy utilization / consciousness elevation / genetic modification." Then we know they are "technological or spiritual mentors," and they might be willing to share knowledge.
   • If they simply counter-ask us: "What do you believe is your biggest problem?" Then they might be "guides," aiming to inspire us to find the answers ourselves.

3. The question is safe: We are not demanding any specific technology, star maps, or resources; we are merely asking for "advice." This is a non-aggressive form of communication, lowering their guard.

To put it plainly, a first contact is like two strangers meeting for the first time. The first thing you say determines whether you'll become friends, acquaintances, or enemies. Instead of asking "What's your name? Where do you live? What are you here for?", it's better to ask something like, "You seem very experienced; I'm a bit lost lately, could we talk?"

The latter is far more likely to initiate a truly meaningful conversation.