[bostik]

I had an even darker interpretation.

Because there is a non-zero probability that some civilizations are, or will become, hostile predators, the most effective survival strategy is to:

1) avoid detection at all costs, and

2) exterminate any civilisation you detect before they can invite the attention of these predators, or worse, evolve into one; meaning

3) become the predator

[hoseja]

See also: history, evolution of the state. The system we live in has self-preservation as it's main interest and it's absolutely terrified of dying.