Why Galactic Civilizations Might Never Exist
The possibility of galactic civilizations, as depicted in science fiction, faces significant challenges due to the vast distances between stars and the limitations imposed by the speed of light. Interstellar travel times far exceed the lifespans of any known species, making sustained political and cultural interactions across galaxies impractical. While advanced technologies or post-biological life forms might overcome these hurdles, current understanding of physics and biology suggests that such civilizations are unlikely.