First off, what exactly is the Fermi Paradox?
The Fermi Paradox is a theory developed by Enrico Fermi, an Italian physicist, who dared to ask the question: Are we alone in the universe? The theory, in a nutshell, suggests that the immense size of the universe should contain numerous other lifeforms. And yet, we have found none. Not a trace. But humanity is still in its infancy compared to other species that have come before. The dinosaurs existed for roughly 165 million years while the earliest forms of humanity appeared only about 200,000 years ago. Compound that with the fact human civilization has only existed for 6,000 years and industrialization for only about 215 years. We are a very young species, and there is so very much yet to be explored.
We exist within a tiny segment of the universe, most of which still remains unexplored. Let’s take a look at only our home galaxy: The Milky Way. There are over 400 billion stars in our galaxy alone. Only about 20 billion of these share similarities with our sun and could create the appropriate levels of light and heat to result in life. Approximately 4 billion of these are estimated to have a planet with conditions similar to Earth. So, what are the odds that none of those 4 billion planets have life, as Earth does?
And this is where the Fermi Paradox comes in. Why have we not encountered another form of life in our universe, despite the conditions needed for their existence? Is it simply that we have not been around long enough to find them? Is it because we have barely charted a sliver of our own solar system, let alone our galaxy? Could it be that another species found us first and are hiding from us? These are questions that will never be answered in my lifetime nor yours. In fact, Even your great, great, great, great, great grandchildren are unlikely to know the answer to this.
Some theories even suggest that humanity exists as either an Alpha or an Omega. We are either the birth of the universe, or we are its end. These theories can often be summarized by thinking of barriers that a planet must overcome in order to sustain life. The optimistic outlook is that we have overcome those barriers and, against all odds, become a planet capable of sustaining life. The pessimistic outlook is that the great barriers are still ahead of us. One example of this is a nuclear war. If we cannot overcome this barrier, then humanity will cease to exist and the planet will die.
The process of galactic exploration would take millions of years, far long than humanity is likely to be around for. Humanity is short-sighted. We focus on the benefits of the self and not of the species. We hurl bombs like words and words like bombs, just for the sake of bragging rights. We condemn intellectualism and exploration in favor of meaningless regressive instinct.
But all is not lost.
As long as we have individuals willing to seek answers to the higher mysteries of the universe, there is hope. And, as long as there is hope, there is progression towards a future of our species transcending to become something truly remarkable.
