A very interesting statement given by one of the most intelligent men in the world. According to Hawking, aliens might simply raid Earth for its resources and then move on but also said but that instead of seeking them out, humanity should be doing all it that can to avoid any contact.
It is strange he actually did very little and was more of a comical character until he became ill. Once his life was in danger his perspective changed I think and he became much more serious about his studies, fighting the odds and becoming one of the most brilliant minds in history. He has been living off of borrowed time for quite a while now and I hope he stays with us for a lot longer.
As far as aliens being hostile or more like animals I am not so sure. Personally I feel once a life form has reached a certain level it develops reason and morals automatically, as a natural part of advancement in its evolution. At the most I would say there is a 50 / 50 chance of them being friendly or hostile.
Not looking for other life I think would be sad. To be so fearful of the possibility that alien life would be hostile as to try and hide from it doesn't make sense to me. As a scientist who is painfully aware of the numbers like Hawkings is, he should also be aware there are many number of hostile things out there that can wipe us out with little or no warning.
If anything I would say aliens would avoid contact with us because we still act like children in the scheme of things. We would probably be like that friend who has not grown up yet and drunk dials you in the middle of the night. Pretty soon he wants to sleep on your couch and eat your food.
Edited: Oliron on 4th May, 2010 - 6:34pm