Great question. Makes one think. The Enlightenment and ensuing age of reason after such a prolonged malaise in the dark ages. The arts, humanities, science and math all suddenly surged ahead.
When I read this quote about two Aliens visiting Earth, I think that aside from the more stilted English, Douglas Adams might have written it.
“Truly, what makes me believe there is no inhabitant on this sphere, is a full persuasion that no sensible being would live in such a disagreeable place.”
“What then?” said Micromegas, “perhaps the beings that inhabit it come not under that denomination…”
Actually it was written by Voltaire. His short story, Micromégas, written in 1752, was the seminal work of science fiction.