Economist Tyler Cowen Recommends 'Slightly Increased Consumption' on UAP Phenomena

Nabeel S. Qureshi recently shared an interaction with prominent economist Tyler Cowen, where Cowen offered unique advice to those seriously considering Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) or alien-related information: "slightly increase your rate of consumption." This characteristically nuanced response from Cowen, known for his wide-ranging intellectual curiosity, suggests a measured approach to a topic gaining significant public and governmental attention.

Cowen, a professor of economics at George Mason University and host of the Conversations with Tyler podcast, has previously engaged with the UAP subject, acknowledging the seriousness of military and government data while maintaining a degree of skepticism regarding extraterrestrial origins. In a 2021 interview with Lex Fridman, Cowen emphasized taking UAP sightings seriously due to credible Navy data and the inability of high-level officials to explain them, yet he expressed wariness about concluding alien involvement based solely on an "argument from elimination." He has also written for Bloomberg Opinion on the topic, suggesting that the "real conspiracy" might be the government's reluctance to admit its lack of knowledge.

The discussion around UAPs has intensified in recent years, with the U.S. government shifting from the term "UFO" to "UAP" and establishing offices like the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) to investigate unexplained sightings. Congressional hearings and reports have brought the subject into mainstream discourse, with figures like former CIA Director John Brennan admitting to being "flummoxed" by some phenomena, a point Cowen highlighted in a 2020 interview. The New Yorker also reported in September 2025 on the U.A.P. Disclosure Act of 2025, indicating ongoing legislative interest.

Cowen's advice to "slightly increase your rate of consumption" can be interpreted as an encouragement for deeper, yet cautious, intellectual engagement with the available information. It aligns with his general philosophy of intellectual exploration and data analysis, urging individuals to delve further into complex topics without necessarily succumbing to definitive conclusions. This perspective underscores the ongoing nature of the UAP mystery, where more data and careful analysis are continually sought.