The thermostat is a common household device that controls temperature and stabilizes the conditions in a living space. Similarly, Jacques Vallee suggests that UFOs may function as a mechanism for stabilizing the relationship between human consciousness and the complexities of the world we inhabit. As phenomenologists, we must suspend judgement regarding the reality of UFO sightings and focus on understanding the ways in which people respond to stress in these situations.

Vallee’s theory is grounded in the idea that our evolving understanding of the world necessitates a control system that can stabilize our consciousness needs in the face of an increasingly complex and changing environment. UFO sightings, according to Vallee, may serve this function by controlling human beliefs and our relationship to physical reality. The fact that the sightings often take on the form of “little grey men” is unimportant, as it is merely a representation of a deeper underlying control system.

In a sense, this idea is akin to reverse Aphantasia, where individuals are unable to generate mental images in their mind’s eye. In the case of UFO sightings, people cannot generate a clear image of what they are seeing, but they are able to “copy and paste” something from their genetic memory that approximates the sighting and makes sense of it. This may help to explain why the forms and descriptions of UFO sightings are so varied and often contradictory.

While the reality of UFO sightings remains uncertain, it is clear that the phenomenon is real in its consequences. The fact that people continue to report sightings and experiences suggests that there is something significant at play. By understanding the ways in which people respond to these sightings, we may gain a deeper understanding of human consciousness and our relationship to the world around us.

Ultimately, the idea that UFOs may serve as a control system raises important questions about our place in the universe and our evolving relationship to the complexities of the world we inhabit. While it may be tempting to dismiss UFO sightings as mere fantasy or delusion, it is important to approach the phenomenon with an open mind and a willingness to explore its deeper meaning and implications.