>It is the nature of intelligent life to destroy itself >>This is the argument that technological civilizations may usually or invariably destroy themselves before or shortly after developing radio or spaceflight technology. The astrophysicist Sebastian von Hoerner stated that the progress of science and technology on Earth was driven by two factors—the struggle for domination and the desire for an easy life. The former potentially leads to complete destruction, while the latter may lead to biological or mental degeneration. [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_paradox) Slightly alludes to this from; >...while the latter may lead to biological or mental degeneration. I'm sure you can agree that consumerism leads to and spawns from each other and doe cause what is stated by "biological or mental degeneration." The word consumerism isn't used in the wiki article. But it's not a big leap.