A new study by astrophysicist Robin H. D. Corbet offers a refreshingly grounded explanation for one of astronomy’s biggest mysteries – the Fermi Paradox, or the question of why we have not yet detected extraterrestrial civilizations despite the high probability that they exist. Corbet’s paper, titled “A Less Terrifying Universe? Mundanity as an Explanation for the Fermi Paradox”, proposes the idea of “radical mundanity”.

Rather than assuming the universe is either teeming with godlike supercivilizations or completely silent, Corbet suggests a middle path: intelligent life may indeed be widespread, but most extraterrestrial technological civilizations (ETCs) are modest, both in number and in capability. These civilizations may only be slightly more advanced than humanity and might not pursue galaxy-spanning engineering projects, interstellar colonization, or constant radio transmissions.

This perspective reframes the paradox. If alien societies generally plateau at moderate technological levels, use energy efficiently, and avoid large-scale astroengineering, then their technosignatures would be faint and rare – well below the detection threshold of our current instruments. The absence of visible Dyson spheres, galactic empires, or powerful beacons would no longer be puzzling but expected.

Corbet’s hypothesis implies a “less terrifying” cosmos – one where humanity is neither uniquely alone nor surrounded by incomprehensibly advanced entities. Instead, we might inhabit a galaxy populated by a handful of quiet, self-contained civilizations that, like us, look up at the stars and wonder who else is out there.

For the SETI, this model suggests a shift in strategy: rather than focusing solely on spectacular megastructures or powerful signals, scientists should search for subtle, Earth-like technosignatures that reflect a more mundane, sustainable form of technological existence. In essence, Corbet’s proposal paints the universe not as empty or ominous, but simply – and reassuringly – ordinary.