[polak]

Originally Posted by octothorp

Yeah, the very idea that it's possible is really intriguing, even if its decades or more likely centuries away. Consider what it means for extraterrestrial life. If it's possible and assuming there is earth-like life on other planets out there, then chances are, some civilization somewhere has already perfected this. Maybe extraterrestrial life doesn't consist of little pockets of civilization with no way to usefully travel beyond their own solar system; maybe there are civilizations that occupy and travel between multiple star systems or are actively exploring new ones. That's a super-intriguing idea, but one that has had no basis beyond science fiction until now (and even now, it's only basis is on an extremely hypothetical level).

There is also the possibility that maybe, just maybe, WE are one of, if not the most advanced civilizations out there. I know the age of the universe vs. our short existence doesn't lend itself well to that theory, but I mean, someone has to be the top dog and considering how unsophisticated every other species on our planet is, its obvious that truly intelligent life isn't super common.