neutronbumblebee

True, although given how little of the universe we are aware of I think the evidence can only grow. Thanks for the explanation.

Well the Drake equation is quite speculative but we are gradually filling in blanks. Exoplanets for example. It’s just those last few terms that are tricky. If we found evidence of prehistoric life on Mars that might help as well. But the general response that intelligent life is always doomed and we all deserve to die for making occasionally stupid decisions is unhealthy I agree.

But how does this differ from some God preserving humans for their own reasons or fairies doing it magically for that matter. Unknowable superhuman forces isnt a useful starting hypothesis for this question. After all how can it be tested? There doesn’t seem to be anything it proves or disproves.

That and faster than light travel being accidental time travel is my answer. The aliens are here but in our past. They are also wondering which species of dinosaur was broadcasting all that TV.

How did they counter the risk from lead pipes? Coating the inside? Or just avoiding. I imagine the deaths or symptoms of lead workers were an indication it was toxic. But the effects of widespread dust wouldn’t be easy to detect