Finding life on another planet, even just single celled organisms, would help with the study of biogenesis, which is one of the greatest mysteries of biology.
Some exotic life form, which did not originate on earth would most likely have interesting features we have never seen before. Scientists could study them and gain insights about alternatives to the biology of earth creatures. Who knows this research may lead to new drugs or procedures we can use to better our lives?
Among others mentioned in this thread is: who knows? It's an unknown unknown
Maybe nothing. Maybe nanotechnology. Maybe information storage. Maybe photosynthesis. Maybe physics, math. It would almost certainly radically transform biology. One thing is certain: it wouldn't likely have zero effect on human understanding
I'd probably think about it occasionally and smile.
It would change our science fiction.
Children would learn about it in school from a very young age, or at home in books even younger. They'd grow up knowing Earth life isn't the only life.
Religions would slowly adapt to be more palatable to children who grew up this way, or lose favor among the next generation.
Philosophically, I think this is impossible. Even if there were discovered an omniscient, omnipotent being, there would still be question of whether it were supernatural or merely preternatural; the question of its divinity would still be subject to personal belief
Really? How? What is one aspect of life that would change for anyone not in the space exploration industry?