Hello, SFIA audio listeners.

In this month's Nebula exclusive, big alien theory,

we're asked at the reason alien civilizations might be rare

is because most aliens are huge.

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plus hours of bonus content,

check out go.nebola.tv slash Isaac Arthur,

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Many seek a path to enlightenment through study and meditation, but what does science tell

us about transcendence, and could entire civilization seek to leave this reality behind?

Transcendence refers to the concept of going beyond ordinary limits or surpassing the usual bounds of human experience and understanding.

In a philosophical context, it often involves exploring realms that exist beyond the physical

or empirical world, touch

on metaphysical or spiritual dimensions.

Religiously, transcendence is associated with the divine or the ultimate reality, suggesting

a state of being or consciousness that exceeds normal human experiences.

In psychology, transcendence can refer to peak experiences

where individuals feel a sense of connection to something greater than themselves, such as

moments of profound joy, creativity, or unity with the universe. It involves rising above

one's immediate concerns to reach a higher state of awareness

or existence.

In the context of technological or scientific discourse, Transcendence can imply surpassing

...