Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

>This is the anthropic principle [1] which is an observer bias implies the universe supports observers. Coupled with the fact a spacefaring civilization at 1% the speed of light could colonize the galaxy in about a million years (0.007% age of the universe) this is decently strong statistical evidence intelligent life is exceedingly rare (Fermi paradox).

Wouldn't logically follow only that it is exceedingly rare that anyone colonises a galaxy? I mean there are a lot of assumptions in that statement:

It only makes intelligent life rare if you assume that intelligent life wants to colonise a galaxy and maintains the capacity to travel at 1% of the speed of light (which is still pretty fast) for 1 million years, while maintaining the desire to colonise a galaxy.

Maybe after 10000 years they go "Ahhh, enough Manifest Destiny... I'll go back home...." :)



Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: