In science fiction stories (especially space ones), there is often reference to “The Ancients”. Some former alien species that was way more advanced than current civilizations. They have left interesting artifacts around for people to find and cause plot to happen. It is a common trope.
It gives us a sense of peace that there was something before us, more powerful. I suppose these could be considered god figures.
But let’s look at reality. There are no ancient artifacts out there; at least not visibly in our solar system. What if we are the Ancients? We are the species that first gained sentience in the universe and all others that come after us will see us through the lens of myth and legend.
It puts a lot of pressure on us to clean up our act. The cosmic equivalent of our baby pictures could be happening now.