Responding To: Fermi's Paradox

Summarize one of the following sections of the Fermi's Paradox podcast episode:

Prologue

The prologue begins with a background of David Kestenbaum, the producer of This American Life. Before he was a journalist, he was a physicist. David explains the Fermi Paradox to the host, Ira Glass. David went into a slump over this paradox because he felt that we were the only one in this universe, and it left him feeling sad and lonely. This slump occurred when he was asked the question- "Where is everybody?" they as in, extraterrestrial beings. Every time the question popped into his head, he had the recurring sadness overwhelm him. Ira Glass had the idea of this podcast when he realized how upset David was about this.

Answer the following questions, Why do you think that all three of the acts were included under one podcast episode instead of separate ones? What is the connecting factor?

The connection between all of the podcasts is the feeling of being alone. Part of me thinks it's ironic to include them all together instead of having them all alone. Another reason could be the interest. There is a substantial through line, so why separate them? I want to continue listening because there is more to this episode, and could his questions be solidly answered? Instead of feeling defeated after the first conversation with the woman physicist, where he's left feeling defeated.

If given the chance, what would be some questions that you write down for your parents? Do you think they could answer them?

If I could write down questions for my parents, I don't think it would be these large questions. I would want to know more story-based questions, like an interview about their entire life. That way I know they would be able to answer questions because they would be about their own life.

Do you feel scared, like David, that there hasn't been life discovered beyond earth?

It makes me more scared knowing that there is the possibility of more life out there. Other life could be dangerous; we could be in harm's way and not know about it. If we knew there wasn't life out there, we could work on us, instead of worrying about other forms of life and places we could survive.

What is your favorite question that Rosie asks?

Time? Why? Explain.

This may be one of my favorites becuase this is so blunt for a nine year old. There is a little bit of sarcasm within her question, as a nine year old. Absolutely crazy! Also, I loved listening to his answer.