[chuckup]

> every civilization must regard every other civilization as an existential threat

I've wondered about this! If "the singularity" is something that really can happen, then perhaps it IS wise to fear any civilization that has developed basic computing, as it could quickly spawn an incredibly advanced, immortal being in a very short amount of time.

And if it can happen, then I'm sure at some point in history, an AI did take hold somewhere. Realizing how dangerous this whole singularity thing can be, it sought out the destruction of any biological life that could someday create their own singularity.

I've wondered if the Fermi paradox is simply that a few AI's developed long ago, and decided not to take any chances.