Galactic plankton is undoubtedly out there, but it's statistically highly likely there's also another intelligent civilisation out there somewhere. Unfortunately, the distances and time differences are so great, communication might remain impossible.

In this quote, Ben Miller discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the likelihood of another intelligent civilization existing in the vast universe. He starts by acknowledging the concept of galactic plankton, which refers to microscopic life forms that could exist in space, drawing a parallel to life on Earth. However, his main focus is on the statistical likelihood of other intelligent civilizations beyond our own.

Miller’s statement suggests that while we may not yet have definitive evidence, it’s statistically highly likely that there are other advanced beings out there. He emphasizes the potential for intelligent life to exist on distant planets, with the same possibility of development that humanity has undergone on Earth. This concept reflects the vastness of the universe and the chances of life arising under different conditions.

However, Miller also points out the challenges in establishing contact with these civilizations. The distances between stars and galaxies are so immense, and the time differences—whether civilizations are at different stages of development or have existed at different points in time—make communication seem nearly impossible. This highlights the limitations of human technology and our current understanding of how such interactions could occur.

Ultimately, Miller's quote reflects a sense of both awe and realism about the potential for alien civilizations. While the idea of contacting them is intriguing, the obstacles presented by distance and time may mean that this remains an unattainable dream, leaving us to wonder about the possibilities of intelligent life beyond Earth.