For the uninitiated, Daksh Tyagi is the author of A Nation of Idiots, Tripping Abroad, and soon-to-be released Signs of Life (Oct 2023). Daksh’s readers know him for his hilariously dry social commentary, his ruthless judgements, and his ability to fence with terribly tricky issues. He has a knack for breaking down complex cultural conundrums with what can only be described as a cool wit.

We sat down with Daksh for a brief conversation on topics big and small – Future, aliens, technology, gifting, and his upcoming book Signs of Life.

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"If these aliens are bigger than us, maybe parents would love to know what they feed their kids."

- Daksh Tyagi

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How do you think we would react to the discovery of signs of life beyond Earth?

I think we’re too self involved to care. Sure, there will be some hysteria – but then people will get back to their lives and phones. Also, there would be an interest in alien fashion and cosmetics. If these aliens are bigger than us, maybe parents would love to know what they feed their kids.

We are developing this insane technology for space, but are we ready for what space holds for us?

Preparation is over-rated. Cavemen were not prepared for fire. But we get used to it. What we should be worried about is why are we so desperate to go into space? We built a life on Earth, can’t we just enjoy it – must we look for other homes? Also, I get exhausted just thinking how much time and effort goes into building rockets that are telling us about which planet is where.

So you think no good can come out of space exploration? Does it not fascinate you?

Good, no. Bad is the most probable outcome. Space travel in books and films is great – in reality – there is very little upside to it. I find space exploration as frivolous as looking into your neighbour’s bathroom. At best you see something you can’t unsee.

The world in your book Signs of Life is set far into the future, yet it seems like this is right around the corner. Like distant footsteps, but almost with a sense of approaching doom. How did you manage that?

The book centers around a project called the Signs of Life Expedition. Set a thousand years in the future, humans have undergone a drastic change, which makes them almost like a different species to us today. The story begins with the discovery of an Earth-like planet which brings a revival to a crumbling world, and who we follow is a man responsible for securing passengers for this expedition.

But how he goes about getting millions to leave Earth and take this journey through space reveals how the human mind works. How it evaluates relationships, goals, future, history, society, religion, culture, logic, and even its own survival. These are aspects of life we struggle with today, which is what makes it familiar.

Deeper question – What is the point of life?

That’s not deep at all. It is quite obvious. The point of life is two-fold – reproduce and reinvent. One is natural. The other is our conditioning.

So, what do you think is one of the deeper questions of life?

For me, death is the deepest aspect about life. The problem is that the dead are quite selfish. They seem unwilling to come back to life and explain to us what goes on there.

Signs of Life is about the first human migration through space. Would you ever travel to another planet?

Depends on who is going. On the one hand, I like the idea of going to a place with fewer people. On the other hand, what if I get a middle seat?

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"Today, technology's widest use for humanity is to allow us to vent our emotions."

- Daksh Tyagi

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We have a ballooning population, only so much space, and finite land on Earth – don’t you think it is only natural that we find an alternate home?

There is nothing natural about a species that needs oxygen to survive, but is willing to travel through vacuum in the hope that it finds other places to stay. And all the while – it cannot stop itself from destroying the rock it lives on. We don’t have a population or a resources problem on Earth – we have a discipline problem.

You can head to all the rocks you want – but for a species desperate to provide the best for their children at the lowest possible price – no home can last long enough. It is an unsustainable habit.

If not a new planet, what do you think is the best way to lengthen life on Earth?

We are going into space for two reasons: The first, because other countries are. The second, because governments need things to do and money to spend. You want this planet to be better. How about – supply mediocre products at moderate prices – The world will be fine. Maybe stop gifting useless stuff. No one ever uses those and it takes up space.

Are you putting down the survival of a planet to unthoughtful gifting – seems a bit absurd?

Yes, quite absurd. But think about this: You can’t even get us to do stop giving bad gifts – how do you think we might behave on a new planet with untouched resources? It’ll be like a buffet.

I am telling you – aliens are out there. They have seen how bad we are at gifting – and this is why they don’t want to be found. They fear they might have to exchange gifts.

Do you think time travel will ever exist?

In a way it already does. Some memories appear closer than others.

How easy is it to manipulate someone’s thinking given the digital age we live in?

First of all, we are not in the digital age. Right now, we are merely trying to understand this monster that we have created. Today, technology’s widest use for humanity is to allow us to vent our emotions. Be it through Social media, news, or content – it is all tied into channelling our anger. That's all. So, we are not in the digital age. We are in the age of digital rage.

Now, to answer your question – Manipulation has always existed. It’s nothing new and it won't get old. The means change. Today, you can convert a mob into taking a stand much quicker. Doesn't mean they are right. But people, through technology, can do what leaders once did with mobs on streets. Except, people lounged on their couches are less likely to burn down buses. Then again, there was a time when the truth was what perhaps Godmen propogated. Now, at least we have the option to question. How many of us exercise that freedom is another question altogether?