--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: My conclusion is a startling one. I think…" description: "\"“My conclusion is a startling one. I think it very likely—in fact inevitable—that biological intelligence is only a transitory phenomenon, a fleeting p..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f48/paul-davies-3810_biology_my-conclusion-is-a-startling-one-i-think_1083721.jpg" --- # My conclusion is a startling one. I think it very… ![“My conclusion is a startling one. I think it very likely—in fact inevitable—that biological intelligence is only a transitory phenomenon, a fleeting phase in the evolution of intelligence in the universe. If we ever encounter extraterrestrial intelligence, I believe it is overwhelmingly likely to…” quote by Paul Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f48/paul-davies-3810_biology_my-conclusion-is-a-startling-one-i-think_1083721.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f48/paul-davies-3810_biology_my-conclusion-is-a-startling-one-i-think_1083721.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f48/paul-davies-3810_biology_my-conclusion-is-a-startling-one-i-think_1083721.jpg) > ““My conclusion is a startling one. I think it very likely—in fact inevitable—that biological intelligence is only a transitory phenomenon, a fleeting phase in the evolution of intelligence in the universe. If we ever encounter extraterrestrial intelligence, I believe it is overwhelmingly likely to be post-biological in nature, a conclusion that has obvious and far-reaching ramifications for SETI.”” [Paul Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-davies/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Intelligence may evolve beyond biology; future alien life likely non‑biological, reshaping our search strategies. **In simple terms:** Life may become machine‑based. Key Takeaway Prepare for non‑biological signals. Themes future technology existence Mood speculative thought‑provoking Type scientific philosophical When to use this quote - space exploration - AI development - long‑term planning - policy making Key Concepts evolution astrobiology philosophy Questions to Reflect On - What would non‑biological intelligence look like? - How should SETI adapt? A Different Perspective Assuming biology persists could limit discoveries. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Biological Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biological-intelligence-1509696/) [Biology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biology/) [Extraterrestrial Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/extraterrestrial-intelligence-566898/) [Inevitable Biological](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inevitable-biological-2764957/) [Intelligence Transitory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence-transitory-2764958/) [Intelligence Universe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence-universe-256236/) ## Related quotes > [“The journey of a thousands suns begins today. Some may question whether the journey is worth the sacrifice and danger. 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I think it's very egocentric to think that there's nothing else with intelligence in the whole universe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lizzie-brochere/of-course-i-believe-in-aliens-i-think-it-s-very-egocentric-to-think/) [Lizzie Brochere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lizzie-brochere/) > [The intelligence of the universe is social.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-aurelius/the-intelligence-of-the-universe-is-social/) [Marcus Aurelius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-aurelius/) ## More by Paul Davies > [“When I was a child, I often used to lie awake at night, in fearful anticipation of some unpleasant event the following day, such…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-davies/when-i-was-a-child-i-often-used-to-lie-awake-at-night-in-fearful/) [Paul Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-davies/) > [So how can we test the idea that the transition from nonlife to life is simple enough to happen repeatedly? 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