I can't help but picture an Incan philosopher in 1491 explaining carefully to his students why there could be no greater civilization than the Incan on Earth, because if they were they would be in America by that point, and theorizing that any culture more technologically advanced than the Incan must also have learned to be peaceful, and would undoubtably be protective of the distinct Incan culture if such a culture were to appear.

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"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky