The Great Filter
Somewhere between dead matter and galaxy-spanning civilizations lies a near-impossible barrier. Either humanity has already passed it, or our greatest challenge lies ahead. The absence of aliens suggests most civilizations fail.
Where does the Great Filter lie? Behind us, or ahead?
Core Arguments
- 1
Statistical argument based on observable universe
- 2
Filter could be behind us (abiogenesis, complex life)
- 3
Or ahead (nuclear war, AI, climate collapse)
- 4
Rare Earth factors may explain our uniqueness
- 5
Finding extinct alien life would be bad news
Linked Incidents
Phoenix Lights
Thousands of witnesses reported a massive V-shaped craft with lights spanning nearly a mile. The object moved silently over the Phoenix metropolitan area for several hours. Governor Fife Symington later admitted to witnessing the craft personally.
Belgian Wave
Over 13,500 people reported triangular craft over Belgium during a wave lasting months. Belgian Air Force scrambled F-16s that locked onto targets performing accelerations of 40g - far beyond human or aircraft tolerance. Official government investigation found no explanation.
Explore in Fiction
Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
The Road by Cormac McCarthy