We may be the only ones in our galaxy with a technologically advanced civilization. Of all the species that have ever lived on Earth we are the only ones to have achieved this. The result of just the right combination of happy evolutionary accidents that have allowed humans to become the rulers of the planet. These are.

- Walking upright leaving our hands free to manipulate objects.

- The opposable thumb allowing us to grasp objects much more efficiently than other primates.

- Sweating which allows us to track down prey of long distances giving us plenty of protein to grow our big brains.

- Large brain relative to our body size.

- A uniquely shaped vocal tract allowing us to form complex sounds and create languages. This allows us to communicate information to others of our species and down the generations which leads to the creation of culture, our most powerful tool.

I am sure that the universe is teaming with life, even intelligent life but, life having all of the above attributes in one animal is most likely very rare indeed.