Assuming that our planet is just a speck of dust in a huge cosmos with a long life, then either:
1. We're a complete and utter aberration
Or:
2. Life has happened elsewhere
There is no in between.

If big G put us here, then did he realise what a bollix he'd made and didn't bother with life on other planets?

Personally, it's arrogant to assume we're the only ones.

Given time and distances, we'd not know if another planet evolved a radio using civilisation 100,000 years ago:
1. If their planet was "only" 500 light years away
2. They nuked themselves to death 50,000 years ago

Of course there is/has been/will be life elsewhere!!!