In many science-fiction stories, a mighty empire dooms itself through its hubris: it presumes to conquer and rule an entire galaxy.That seems a lofty ambition indeed.

• 在很多科幻故事里，强大的宇宙帝国因为野心勃勃，而注定走向败亡之途：它竟然胆敢要征服、统治整个星系？