Fermi Paradox (Robert presents AMZ)

"Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying." Arthur C. Clarke

Astrophysicists estimate that there may be more planets in the observable universe than there are grains of sand on every beach on Earth. Suppose that life only ever arises on an infinitesimal fraction of those planets. Now suppose that complex life evolves only on an infinitesimal fraction of those planets. Now suppose that advanced civilizations develop on only a fraction of those planets. Supposing all that, we would still expect highly technological civilizations to be abundant throughout the universe.

Yet after centuries of probing the cosmos with ever-more sophisticated instruments, humanity has yet to discover evidence of an extraterrestrial civilization. "Where is everybody?" the Italian physicist Enrico Fermi allegedly inquired, in response to this apparent mystery. Seventy five years later, we seem no closer to the answer.

Are the necessary steps--from abiogenesis, to complex life, to technological civilization--just so improbable that we are unlikely to ever encounter an example beyond ourselves?

Or do technological civilizations just tend to destroy themselves before they can find each other across the vastness of space?

Or do they conceal themselves from detection out of caution or fear?

Or is it that extraterrestrial aliens are so, well, alien that we wouldn't recognize them as such even if we found them?

Or is it simply that we are alone after all, the sole example of life to be found in the entire universe?

Where is everybody?

Where are all the aliens?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNhhvQGsMEc

The Great Silence, by Ted Chiang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPnR97b6aGs

Symptom-free (of potentially contagious disease) people with the capacity to listen considerately to diverse viewpoints are invited to attend after successfully RSVPing.

We begin the meeting at 7:30 pm sharp in the mezzanine of the Graduate Hotel. Feel free to come up to 30 minutes early and hang out with us beforehand. After you come down the stairs we may be in either the main room on your left or in the conference room around the corner on your right.

AMAZON FORMAT (AZF):
At the beginning of the meeting the presenter will read the above text aloud.

OPENING ROUNDTABLE FORMAT (ORF):

1. The topic presenter begins the discussion by explaining why they are interested in the topic and some introductory thoughts on it.
2. Each participant in turn going clockwise from the presenter describes their general thoughts on the topic.
3. If one is not ready to speak they can just say “pass” and the next person speaks.
4. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to comment.
5. Once everyone has given opening remarks or passed twice, Opening Roundtable is completed and the meeting shifts into its main format.

TIMED DIRECTION FORMAT (TDRF>5):
If there are more than 5 people present we will use the format below.

1. We will divide up the timed direction discussion time by the number of participants plus one (for a buffer). A timer will be set for this amount of time.
2. Each participant in turn will become a Discussion Director and lead the group discussion.
3. If one is not ready to direct they dimply say “pass” and the next person becomes the Discussion Director.
4. Anyone who arrives after step 1 (above), may participate but will not get a turn as Discussion Director.
5. The Discussion Director can make statements or ask questions, or interrupt or redirect the discussion at their discretion.
6. The discussion participants can state their own opinions only when asked by the Discussion Director, not Interrupt others and accede to the Discussion Director’s interruptions or redirections.
7. When the timer goes off the person speaking finishes their thought and then the next participant clockwise becomes the next Discussion Director.
8. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to direct.

At the end of the meeting, participants will have an opportunity to vote on the topic and format for the following meeting.