It is highly probable that we are not the only intelligent life in the universe. Drake’s Equation gives a reasonable estimate that suggests there could be hundreds of millions within our galaxy. Fermi’s Paradox points out that we haven’t seen them, so maybe we’re alone. Equations and paradoxes aside, NASA’s progress suggests quantitative proof will be available within a decade or so, maybe tomorrow, maybe today. We may not be able to communicate with them easily, but knowing they exist could change almost every major debate in society.
“I think we’re going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth within a decade, and I think we’re going to have definitive evidence within 20 to 30 years,” NASA chief scientist Ellen Stofan
“Signs Of Alien Life By 2025, Says NASA Chief Scientist” – Discovery News
Pretending Not To Panic 