What is Life?

In the second book of this intriguing series, the author continues his insights into recent scientific findings; this time concerning the major step-change for existence - the development of life.

While delving into the science behind our bodies and minds, he explores the range of philosophies about the nature of life and the possible existence of the soul. He also considers why some of our basic abilities, from simple decision-making, to creativity and emotion, are so challenging for science to explain and re-create.

In this ongoing journey of discovery we find that at the core of life, within the inner workings of cells, there are remarkable components which challenge our perceptions, such as programmable assembly line machines; astonishing walking molecules; and complex repair mechanisms.

Some would have been essential to the first simple form of living cell, but they have no known evolutionary path.

The book therefore looks at the challenges facing the fascinating new field of Abiogenesis: the scientific search for the origin of life – which acknowledges that the only evolutionary mechanism we have, cannot explain how the first cell emerged. It marks the hunt for a new mechanism and an exploration of unresolved factors at the heart of every living thing – control, awareness, survival, and purpose.

Finally the author considers the scientific evidence which might support the notion of a soul; some of which is now gaining general acceptance, leading to serious studies into 'Out of Body' experiences... and even reincarnation.