-->is “Encyclopaedia Galactica,” where he explains the Drake equation.
-->This unwieldy formula, more
theory than math, estimates the number of detectable extraterrestrial
civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy.
In the episode, Carl explains how scientists in the 1960-70s came up with numbers for each of the variables. He starts with the estimate that there are 4 billion stars in the Milky Way, and ends with an estimate that there may be as few as 10 other civilizations in existence with the means of interstellar communication akin to our radio telescopes.
He admits this is a conservative estimate—there may be hundreds or even thousands of civilizations out there—but there just as easily may be none at all. The existence of life in this galaxy is very rare, and the probability of us running into anyone else very, very small. We could very likely be all alone.
The Ramifications of Being Alone in the Universe
Conclusion
In the episode, Carl explains how scientists in the 1960-70s came up with numbers for each of the variables. He starts with the estimate that there are 4 billion stars in the Milky Way, and ends with an estimate that there may be as few as 10 other civilizations in existence with the means of interstellar communication akin to our radio telescopes.
He admits this is a conservative estimate—there may be hundreds or even thousands of civilizations out there—but there just as easily may be none at all. The existence of life in this galaxy is very rare, and the probability of us running into anyone else very, very small. We could very likely be all alone.
The Ramifications of Being Alone in the Universe
Which started me thinking. If life is
as rare as that, then each one of us is truly an extraordinary being. If the 7
billion people on the planet Earth are the only intelligent beings in over
120,000 light years, that makes us all pretty special. Each one of our thoughts
is a rare and wonderful thing, no matter what its contents. Each of our notions
may have no precedent in this or any other universe. Each of our creative
efforts is herculean—simply for the fact that we as intelligent life forms are
so unbelievably rare.
Take a minute to let that sink in. We
are each one in a billion, surrounded by an unfathomable amount of empty space,
exploding stars, dead rocks, and cold, inanimate moon dust. For all that
nothing, there is only one of you. You are a very special being.
Conclusion
So don’t belittle your own thoughts—it
may be the first and last time an intelligent being entertains it. Don’t discount
what you think is a cool or an interesting idea just because it came from you.
Emerson said, “To believe in your own thought, to believe that what is true for
you is true for all men—that is genius.” Even more so in light of the fact that
you may be the only being to bring conscious awareness to it in countless uninhabited
worlds.
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