beliefnet
As the universe evolved heavy elements
were created in hot massive stars that exploded seeding the universe
with heavier elements that could react as elements do because of energy
considerations to form compounds. Some of the lighter elements,
carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, commonly reacted with hydrogen to form
methane, ammonia and carboxylic acid, which in turn reacted to form
amino acids the building blocks of life. As stars and planets formed out of dust clouds in space those
amino acids were distilled onto planets that were suitable in distance
and energy flux to contain liquid water. Eventually life formed on such
planets. Hardly something from nothing. But no creator necessary,
simply physics, chemistry and energy.
As
life evolved it became necessary for survival to sense and react to the
environment in which life existed, as finding nutrients and avoiding
being one, was necessary for survival and reproduction. Those organisms
that were good at sensing and reacting to the environment reproduced
and thrived until something that sensed and reacted better came along
and became locally dominant. Repeat, repeat, repeat, until part of the
package needed for survival was in addition to experiencing and doing,
thinking, planning, and feeling were added to the mix. In particular
feeling good about the opposite sex to form pair bonds to facilitate
getting infants to be reproducing adults. Thinking and planning are
added relatively early in evolution as all mammals and birds appear to
do so.
Those animals
that have evolved to assist humans in guarding, herding, rodent control
and other needed functions around settlements have learned to sense
human feelings of happiness, joy, wonder, and do things that create them
in order to survive in the presence of humans. See Facebook threads of
cute animals doing things to please humans.
Context
12 hours ago
