3: Aliens

1. Humans evolved under specific environmental conditions on Earth. While there may be quintillions of Earth-like planets in the observable universe, each planet’s history is vastly different. Even slight variations - such as proximity to a heat source, the length of a planet’s days, or its axial tilt - create infinite permutations in evolutionary pathways. What, then, are the chances that aliens would evolve to be just like us?
2. There may be alien civilizations so advanced that our ability to comprehend their technology would be akin to an ant trying to understand a smartphone.
3. The Fermi Paradox questions why Earth hasn’t been visited by aliens despite the vastness of the universe. There has been no verified proof of extraterrestrial life, yet given the near-infinite scale of the cosmos, it is highly unlikely that we are alone. Many theories attempt to explain this paradox, it’s a deep rabbit hole to explore. My favorite explanation is the Great Filter theory. This theory suggests that at some stage in evolution, there is an extremely difficult hurdle that acts as an existential “filter” that prevents most civilizations from advancing far enough to be detectable. But what is this filter? Could it be the transition from microorganisms to complex life? The emergence of societal structures that enable agriculture? The development of nuclear weapons leading to self-destruction? The rise of AI beyond human control? Or is it something far in the future that we can’t yet comprehend? One way or another, if we haven't already passed it, we may not recognize the Great Filter until we stand at the brink of civilization’s annihilation, with the last survivors whispering, “I know now.”

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Best,

Edgar

Editor in Chief of Fright.