Hawking found it hard to believe that there was actually such order among different civilizations in interstellar space.
Indeed, war was a last resort, not an objective. Only when the benefits far outweighed the costs and the risks were bearable would anyone take such action.
He said, "Since all intelligent species can create wealth within society, then why hasn't Earth Civilization joined that society?"
What Hawking really wanted to ask about was the Fermi paradox.
Huang Ji said, "The gap between primitive tribes and modern human society is already enormous. But the gap between interstellar civilizations and humanity is even greater. I can tell you with complete responsibility that by interstellar standards, Earthlings don't even count as a civilization."
"You're merely an intelligent species. That's all."
"..." Hawking and Irene froze. What? Earth didn't count as a civilization?
They had scientific education, industrial systems, aerospace technology, rich and diverse societies, and vibrant cultures.
They had compassion for their fellow humans and approached war with the same rationality as alien civilizations.
And all that didn't count as civilization?
Huang Ji said, "At least in the Milky Way Galaxy, the definition of civilization includes one condition you don't meet: being able to leave the environment that gave birth to you while keeping your society functioning."
Hawking understood at once. He was talking about humanity's lack of interstellar colonization capabilities.
Forget interstellar colonization. With Earth's current aerospace technology, humans couldn't even send people to the nearest planet.
Hawking said, "I understand. You're saying that we still can't leave our Homeworld, so we aren't qualified to join interstellar society. Those who aren't qualified to join it don't count as civilizations."
"Why set the standard so high...?"
Huang Ji said, "Civilization standards are defined according to society's needs. You consider yourselves highly civilized, but in