[Rattled]

A cell has no way to conceive of a worm, and worms probably can't conceive of humans. But they probably have some conception of birds, and birds can perceive humans. Where are our birds? As you go up the intelligence chain the ability to see beyond seems to increase, but we don't see anything beyond us.

[RosanaAnaDana]

But that's the difference right there. Us speculating and imaging that there may be something beyond this plateau of intelligence is the difference separates us from worms and birds.

As well, metaphors for intelligence really falls apart when you are talking about very different scales, in the same way that some explanations for physical phenomena fall apart depending on the scale with which you are describing it.

[remir]

Perhaps because what we are looking for doesn't want to be found.

For us, finding intelligent life would be a massive change in our reality and understanding of life because right now, the current state of affair is that we're alone.

But what if these other beings are used to a universe with billions of civilizations competing for resources of various kind (including biological, innovation, etc). Why draw attention to yourself?

[sulam]

We already have the concept of the eschaton, or the singularity. Is this a realistic concept? I don't know! But if you accept it, then the inability to see people at or beyond is is simple -- there is a large gap because progress past the point we are at is geometric up to physical limits that we are nowhere near today.

[Rattled]

I didn't have the concept of the eschaton until today, looks like an interesting rabbit hole to explore.

[DonHopkins]

Congratulations on your recent immanentization of the concept of the eschaton! ;)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immanentize_the_eschaton