Just My Type: Kardashev Civilizations in SF and Beyond
we peer out at the stars (or listen with our radio telescopes, to be more accurate) we find no one. There are no radio signals coming from Type I, II, or III civilizations. If a civilization is a million years old, surely we should notice their presence. Why is no one calling?
The fact of the matter is that Type 0 civilizations like ours might be quite common in the universe, but they destroy themselves before reaching Type I status because of the very fear and hatred I just mentioned. As technological development accelerates, every civilization is going to discover element 92: uranium. With this discovery comes a fork in the road. To the left is prosperity, to the right is destruction.
Chances are most civilizations veer to the right. To choose the left requires a willingness to let go of national boundaries and idealistic dogma. As Kaku said, a Type I civilization by it's very nature must be a global civilization. There is no room for our fear and hatred on the journey up the Kardashev ladder. So what will we make of our future? Will we take the easy way out, or will we choose the road less traveled. Our decision will make all the difference.
IN CLOSING
The Kardashev system is beautiful in its simplicity, and in its rejection of
future projections based on simple extrapolation of current technology. With
this system, we can reasonably classify levels of our future advancement without
concern for individual elements. In this way, it is a lot like the driving force
of Asimov's Foundation. The tides of time will sweep us along if we allow
them. Reaching Type I is the most difficult part of the journey. Once there,
we can sit back and enjoy the ride.
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