Reply #17: But the infinite cuts both ways

[jpgray]

Since these numbers are so large even when limited in our own galaxy, if there exists some intelligence species with the same desire and capacity to explore as we, then in theory at least one such species should have already colonized Earth, or at least some substantial evidence in terms of radio signals etc. would be extant. The absence of both would indicate that we are alone, but at the same time the odds overwhelmingly suggest we cannot be unique--this is the paradox.

Of course, we have only been broadcasting for a scant hundred years or so--a mere blink in the history of our galaxy. So perhaps a good (if bleak) way to explain this paradox is that such sentient species with a desire to explore and expand do not last long enough to make a sizable impact on the galaxy, and in particular do not last very long once they acquire the ability to send out signals into space. Likely, we will not be around long enough with the capacity to detect such signals to ever do so.

Have a drink. :hi: