In contemporary cosmology, astrobiology and popular science fields, a series of hypotheses including the Kardashev civilization classification model, the global expansion of interstellar civilizations, the dominance of the universe by advanced civilizations, and the perpetual existence of information civilizations free from material constraints have long been mainstream viewpoints. Such theories take energy consumption scale as the core criterion for classifying civilization levels, and assume that intelligent civilizations possess unlimited development potential. It is believed that through technological iteration and energy exploitation, civilizations can gradually dominate planets, star systems, galaxies and even the entire universe, ultimately breaking all spatial and morphological restrictions and becoming the rulers of cosmic order. These assumptions are built upon the traditional finite universe model, classical material view and the subjective presupposition that "civilization development has no upper limit", and fail to explore the fundamental essence of all cosmic beings, thus containing fundamental theoretical flaws. This paper adopts the closed-loop system of light ontology proposed in A Brief History of the Universe: The Grand Cycle Unified Theory of the Universe as the core research framework, and establishes four fundamental axioms. The universe is an infinite spacetime system without beginning or end. All matter, energy, life, consciousness and information in the world are secondary forms formed when free photons are confined and bound by spatial fields. The laws of light motion, energy conversion and closed-loop constraints are universal and insurmountable ultimate iron laws across the entire universe. The whole universe operates in an eternal cycle dominated by light, including binding, release, restoration and reconstruction. Based on the above axioms, this paper conducts systematic demonstrations from five dimensions: the essence of matter, operational logic of energy, spacetime scale of interstellar space, inherent nature of information, and evolutionary destiny of civilizations. The research indicates that all technological progress and energy utilization activities of civilizations essentially only change the aggregation state and motion form of photons within the framework of the laws of light, and cannot break the boundaries of light laws. The progressive upgrading of civilization levels and the path to conquer the universe in all domains are physically blocked completely. The Kardashev civilization classification system is merely an idealized deduction divorced from the fundamental laws of the universe. Interstellar voyages and interstellar colonization are restricted by the lifespan of civilizations, light travel time difference, erosion of cosmic fields and rule backlash, and are completely impractical. The so-called pure information civilization, whose essence is still the ordered arrangement and directional motion of photons, will inevitably dissolve along with the cycle of light, making immortality and transcendence impossible. Starting from the fundamental laws of the universe, this study comprehensively refutes mainstream hypotheses such as the infinite development of civilizations, the dominance of the universe by interstellar civilizations, and the transcendence of physical forms by information civilizations. It confirms the definitive cosmic conclusion that light is the origin of all beings in the universe and also the insurmountable ultimate boundary for all existing forms. Together with previous studies on civilization window periods and light travel time difference in the universe, this paper forms a complete theoretical matrix, further improving the theoretical system of civilization evolution from the perspective of an infinite universe. It provides a brand-new underlying paradigm and demonstration basis for future research in cosmology, civilization studies and physical philosophy.
Jiaqing Yan (Mon,) studied this question.