It was from experience indeed. This earth that Keith spoke of must certainly must be kinder to human civilization. If it had a significant population, that's not at all surprising.

"Ah, well. It has two suns, which causes it to be an entirely desert planet. Barely hospitable enough for humans to live on it. The only water has to be farmed using vaporators which pull moisture out of the air."

Tatooine was certainly not the kindest of planets, but it was a good place to hide if you didn't want to be found.