Fermi Paradox Theories

Alone

Space Travel Is Too hard

• There is a lack of resources in space that prevents long distance space travel.

No Interest

• For a variety of potential reasons, advanced civilizations have elected not to establish communication.

Time

We Missed It

Life Is Too Fragile

Gaian bottleneck hypothesis

• Civilization experience periodic extinction by natural events.
  • The frequency of these events eclipses the frequency of achieving long term space exploration.
  • The galaxy is a dangerous place
    • gamma-ray bursts, asteroid impacts, etc

Life Is Rare

Emergence bottleneck hypothesis

• Planetary bodies within habitable zones, that have the qualities to sustain life are incredibly rare.
• The Earth/Moon system is somewhat unique in that large liquid tides may be a key component needed for molecular evolution
• Even with ideal conditions, life’s genesis is a rare event.

Humans Are The Smartest

Looking Time

Too advanced

They are already here

Too Far

• Space may be bigger than we think - limiting accessibility.

Virtual Evolution

• It may be a course of natural evolution that advanced societies develop the capability to build massive artificial virtual environments. These environments could be powered through a variety of means for incredibly long periods. Armed with this technology, most civilizations elect to exist within their created world, rather than continue to existing in the physical one.
  • A Matrioshka brain might be used to achieve this.

We’re Isolated Intentionally

planetarium hypothesis / zoo hypothesis

Advanced civilizations are purposefully eliminated

• A Type 3 civilization actively monitors for, and seeks to eliminate emerging civilizations.