The Universe is huge. Hence, the space between two objects. (Planets, Galaxies, etc.)
It would take years just to go to Extrasolar planets. And thats by the speed of light. Which is practicly impossible to reach.
Yes, I was aware of that.
I thought he was trying to say that it was meaningless to point out when that species would have developed, that they'd have to have decided to come here immediately as we speak.
Also, who knows what technology we haven't figured out yet? It's a bit conceded to say that we are at the peak of our understanding of science and technology for the rest of time right now.