re: #476 b_sharp

Given the ease with which amino acids, sugars and even alcohol can be produced in space (we have evidence of vast clouds of them) the likelihood of life on other planets is pretty high. What isn’t so high is the likelihood that life would become technological. Intelligence isn’t a guaranteed outcome of evolution, nor is the development of complex language. It may be the confluence of intelligence, language and ability to finely manipulate objects (our hands) is terribly unusual.

Given the ridiculous vastness of space, terribly unusual is a lot.