Nature's Birth of Life

Nature copies itself

The physical sciences tell us that nature seeks stability at a number of different levels. Nature separates into systems at these different levels to allow for greater stability. These systems can be seen as varying levels of stability or just varying scales of size. These include sub-atomic, chemical, geological, and astronomical scales, to which each has its own study. The study of the chemical scale is Chemistry, for example. At the astronomical level, we have the behavior of galaxies, stars, and planets. At the geological level there are weather patterns, tectonic forces, etc. At the chemical level, there are atoms, molecules, and mixtures. These systems are constantly interacting and changing and have for billions of years. Galaxies were forming, stars were being born while others died, planetary conditions were changing, new molecules were forming, etc. One of these changes was the formation of a certain molecule under certain geological and astronomical conditions - the right combination of temperature, pressure, radiation, and chemicals. The molecule could make copies of itself...it could survive! A fundamentally different level of nature had been conceived!

Life evolves

Nature continued to change this molecule, giving it more abilities to ensure survival. Different forms of it began to be produced. Those that were better able to survive reproduced, and their adaptive advantages were carried over to the next generation. In time, the most able and adaptive forms became dominant, boasting unique, intricate survival abilities. This process is known as natural selection. It gained such abilities as selecting what it needs from nature - selective permeability. It began to make its own food - photosynthesis. Sexual reproduction evolved providing greater diversity. Now, it possesses abilities like knowledge of its own experience - consciousness. Truly astounding! This system of nature is what we call life. The first life form was just nature with the ability to survive for itself. So we, as living things, are literally "living nature."

Life becomes adaptable and conscious

The abilities life possesses are astounding. The most important is its ability to adapt to its surroundings and evolve to insure survival. These seem like relatively basic properties of living nature, but from them came the more complex ones we are familiar with. I take the highly evolved and familiar human species as an example. We have anatomical systems which allow for many years of a meaningful, happy, full life. We have an immune system to fight off invaders, a nervous system for sensing and control, an efficient digestive and respiratory system for fuel, a circulatory system for transport, and many others. All thanks to life's ability to survive and adapt. Life has also gained the ability to know and understand. We can sense and be aware of nature. With life, nature is aware of itself! Nature has also combined our awareness with emotions for an added survival advantage. Emotions have also enabled us to feel connected to and see the beauty in nature. We are able to love animals, people, and our surroundings. The meaning of life is not a mystery anymore. It is not somewhere outside of us beyond our understanding. Life just seeks to survive, while learning, feeling, and preserving the beautiful surrounding existence.

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