[jpl]

Fermi realized that any civilization with a modest amount of rocket technology and an immodest amount of imperial incentive could rapidly colonize the entire Galaxy.

Yeah, whatever. No sane person with even a rudimentary knowledge of physics, much less an expert, could possibly believe something this preposterous.

[RightWhale]

Fermi realized that any civilization with a modest amount of rocket technology and an immodest amount of imperial incentive could rapidly colonize the entire Galaxy.

The galaxy isn't all that large compared to the speed of light. The galactic empire part is probably not going to happen, but human occupation of the entire galaxy in a million years is feasible.

[amordei]

Fermi realized that any civilization with a modest amount of rocket technology and an immodest amount of imperial incentive could rapidly colonize the entire Galaxy.

Yeah, whatever. No sane person with even a rudimentary knowledge of physics, much less an expert, could possibly believe something this preposterous.

Actually, contrary to those who think that the speed of light cannot be breached, it can be and has (quite recently in separate lab tests). Fermi's paradox is therefore alive and well.

[Salgak]

Depends on your definition of "rapid". In terms of "Galactic Time", one galactic year is the time it takes for one revolution on its' axis.

Given the SF "sleeper ships" (i.e. top speed ~.2c), and the time it take humans to fill and develop a planet to the point where they can send out a wave of their own sleeper ships( several hundred to a few thousand years, your guess is just as good as mine . . .), you could fill the galaxy in a couple of million years: an eyeblink in astronomic terms.

[FormerLib]

Fermi realized that any civilization with a modest amount of rocket technology and an immodest amount of imperial incentive could rapidly colonize the entire Galaxy.

Yeah, whatever. No sane person with even a rudimentary knowledge of physics, much less an expert, could possibly believe something this preposterous.

So you're suggesting that Fermi was either insane or lacked even a rudimentary knowledge of physic? How very interesting!