Stephen Hawking is still afraid of aliens

In the public sphere, Hawkins is a much overestimated scientist. In a way, and like Einstein, his fame has more to do with his social commentaries than with his scientific prowess. In this regard his physical deformities are also relevant. (Not dissing Einstein here, but how many of the people who idolise him can give a coherent account of what he actually did?)

But here I'm in total agreement with Hawkings. There is no reason to believe that an alien morality is anything like ours. In fact, what is considered to be a 'civilised' morality in current Western thought is clearly more like a way to self-destruct. This is of course evolutionary anathema and it is inconceivable that any universal successful intelligence could survive such a self-imposed handicap.

If they are able to reach us, they almost certainly do not think at all like the 'European' us. More like ISIS, probably.