So, do recent developments and discoveries in astrobiology, astronomy, and cognitive science give us reason to be more or less optimistic about the possibilities of encountering intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations? Here are two recent articles, reaching rather different conclusions: “Good-Bye, Little Green Men” by Susan Schneider and Seth Shostak and “The Fermi Paradox: Research Suggests Aliens Haven’t Contacted Us Because They’re Dead” from the online magazine Futurism.