> All it takes is one small group in one species to create the self-replicating probes that dismantle every natural grouping of matter to create more efficient

> All it takes is one small group in one species to create the self-replicating probes that dismantle every natural grouping of matter to create more efficient arrangements to support more intelligence The "paradox" ultimately comes down to a lack of data. If the milky way evolves interplanetary civilizations every 5 billion years, it's clear the odds are stacked against ever meeting another living civilization... especially if FTL is impossible and transporting large masses at C is not viable. The assumption that life naturally lead to computronium and self-replicating structures also seems unfounded.