Fermi Paradox

The Drake Equation: Given the size of the universe, extraterrestrial life should have contacted us (click to expand).

The Fermi Paradox asks given the universe is near infinite, why have we not heard from life other than our own? Is it inevitable that all life thrives and then dies because of some cosmic filter?

Is it that there is a great barrier for all intelligent species which in its 14 billion year history has tended towards only one answer. i.e. before reaching the point where interstellar communication is possible the civilisation destroys itself, whether this is from war, overconsumption or disease the result is the same, looking at the sky it seems we see a dead universe.