Part 3/12:
A core part of their dialogue centers on the Fermi Paradox—the question of why, given the universe's vastness, we haven’t observed signs of alien civilizations. Vijay advocates that the "Great Filter" might be ahead of us, not behind—the idea that civilizations tend to self-destruct once reaching a certain level of technological mastery.
He points out that even if intelligent life exists elsewhere, the emergence of advanced, space-faring civilizations might be hindered by self-destruction, environmental destruction, or pandemics. The search for life on planets like Mars only underscores these fears. If life is common after all, then the Great Filter lies in the future, and our survival hinges on avoiding self-inflicted catastrophe.