Life's Purpose: A Biological View

I'm a millennial. In my workplace interactions with Gen Z, a haunting question echoes through our conversations: What's the purpose of all this—when we're literally automating ourselves into obsolescence? What gives life meaning when algorithms can replace our most intricate tasks?

This isn't a Gen Z or a Gen Alpha question. It's an ancient philosophical inquiry resurfacing with unprecedented intensity, catalyzed by the disruptive potential of AI and automation.

I thought of writing down some insights I got via my readings, reflections and explorations on this topic so far.

The Evolutionary Biological Frame is the best frame to understand the meaning of Life.

While spiritual, religious, philosophical inquiries offer diverse hypothetical answers (many of them very useful for solace and many very binding in nature) , a more pragmatic approach lies in the realm of biology or by looking at it from an evolutionary perspective:

Here's a raw, unfiltered perspective rooted in biological truth:

The Essence of Life

At its core, the super objective of life is survival and reproduction. Each organism is busy not just surviving but also creating conditions that facilitate its existence. This instinct drives all forms of life, including humans, who may engage in complex activities such as building companies or exploring outer space. Yet, beneath these layers of ambition lies the same basic goal: to live fully within a suitable environment.

Transforming Our Surroundings

Living beings constantly seek out or modify their environments to enhance their chances of survival. This behavior is not limited to humans; it is evident in all species. For instance, animals adapt their habitats for comfort and safety, while plants grow towards sunlight and water. Even our endeavors in space exploration can be viewed as an extension of this survival instinct—an effort to find new environments that support life.

Diversity in Survival

The vast array of life forms on Earth illustrates that there are numerous ways to thrive.

As of 2022, approximately 2.16 million species have been scientifically described and cataloged on Earth. This figure includes a variety of taxonomic groups, such as:

• Insects: About 1.05 million
• Birds: Over 11,000
• Reptiles: Over 11,000
• Mammals: Over 6,000

(Source: Science daily)

Each species has developed unique adaptations that allow it to succeed in its specific niche.

This diversity demonstrates that there is no singular "right" way to live; rather, success can be measured by the ability to adapt and flourish in varying circumstances.

Connecting the facts

The age of Earth is estimated to be approximately 4.54 billion years.

And Life on Earth has persisted for approximately 3.87 billion years.

Yet an astonishing 99% of all species that ever existed are now extinct.

Extinction often occurs when a species cannot adjust quickly enough to changing conditions. However, the presence of any surviving species signifies life's overall resilience and triumph over adversity. Because a new species ( new version formation) is Life's mechanism to sustain itself as a process. In that way any species surviving in the new changing environment is a success for Life as a process

A Collective Victory

From the perspective of life itself, every existing organism represents a victory—a testament to survival against overwhelming odds.

Humans are merely one thread in the intricate tapestry of life; there is nothing inherently special about our existence compared to other forms of life.

The true measure of existence lies not in superiority but in the sheer fact that life continues to endure and evolve.

In conclusion, the meaning of life can be distilled into a simple yet profound principle: to live fully, reproduce, and adapt within an ever-changing environment.

Each living being contributes to this grand narrative, embodying life's relentless quest for survival and continuity amidst the complexities of nature.

How do different species define success in living

The Key KPIS or success metrics across different species vary but can be broadly identified as:

1. Reproductive Success

• Definition: The primary measure of success for most species is their ability to reproduce and pass on genes to the next generation.
• Example: Species that produce a high number of offspring, like insects, often demonstrate greater reproductive success compared to those with fewer offspring, such as elephants.

2. Adaptability

• Definition: The ability to adapt to changing environments is crucial for survival. Species that can modify their behavior or physiology in response to environmental shifts tend to thrive.
• Example: Bacteria exhibit remarkable adaptability, allowing them to survive in diverse and extreme conditions, which contributes to their long-term success as a group.

3. Longevity

• Definition: Longevity refers to how long a species can persist over evolutionary time. Species that have survived for millions of years are often considered successful.
• Example: Horseshoe crabs and ginkgo trees are cited as successful species due to their long existence and stable populations over geological time scales. The horseshoe crab, which has existed for over 450 million years, showcases how species can endure drastic environmental shifts.

4. Ecological Niche

• Definition: Success can also be measured by how well a species fits into its ecological niche, which includes its role in the ecosystem and its interactions with other organisms.
• Example: Pigeons are highly successful because they have adapted well to urban environments, finding food and shelter in human-dominated landscapes

5. Resource Utilization

• Definition: The ability to efficiently utilize available resources is another indicator of success. Species that can exploit various food sources or habitats often fare better.
• Example: Parasites, which rely on hosts for survival, have evolved specialized traits that allow them to thrive within their specific ecological roles

6. Survival Strategies

• Definition: Different species develop unique survival strategies that contribute to their success, including physical adaptations (like camouflage) or behavioral strategies (like migration).
• Example: Some species of fish can change color for camouflage, enhancing their chances of evading predators and securing resources.

With those KPIs of Success, which species are considered more evolutionarily successful than humans, and what factors contribute to their success?

1. Bacteria

• Success Factors: Bacteria are among the most successful organisms on Earth due to their incredible adaptability and rapid reproduction rates. They can thrive in extreme environments, including deep-sea vents and acidic hot springs, and can reproduce every 20 minutes under optimal conditions.
• Why More Successful: Their ability to exchange genetic material through horizontal gene transfer allows for quick adaptation to environmental changes, making them resilient against extinction.

2. Insects

• Success Factors: Insects, particularly species like ants and cockroaches, have existed for over 400 million years. They exhibit diverse adaptations, complex social structures, and a high reproductive output.
• Why More Successful: Insects account for over 75% of all known animal species. Their small size, ability to exploit various habitats, and rapid life cycles contribute to their evolutionary success.

3. Fish

• Success Factors: Fish have adapted to a wide range of aquatic environments and have developed various reproductive strategies, including both live-bearing and egg-laying species.
• Why More Successful: With over 30,000 species, fish demonstrate significant diversity and adaptability. They occupy nearly every aquatic niche on the planet, showcasing their evolutionary resilience.

4. Plants (e.g., Grasses)

• Success Factors: Grasses are highly adaptable plants that dominate many ecosystems across the globe. They have evolved mechanisms such as drought resistance and rapid growth.
• Why More Successful: Grasses play a crucial role in many ecosystems, providing food for herbivores and stabilizing soils. Their ability to regenerate quickly after disturbances enhances their survival.

5. Tardigrades (Water Bears)

• Success Factors: Tardigrades are microscopic creatures known for their resilience in extreme conditions, including high radiation, extreme temperatures, and even the vacuum of space.
• Why More Successful: Their ability to enter a cryptobiotic state allows them to survive in harsh environments that would be lethal to most other forms of life.

I will take a pause here. I will write more in this series under the tile of Algorithms and Human Rhythms.

Aim of this article was to shift your perspective of understanding of life and its purpose :

1. Seeing Life from a Wider Lens: Viewing your life as part of a larger interconnected world.
2. Lens of Evolution : Exploring life through the lens of evolution and biology.
3. Breaking the limited frame of Success set by "Societal Norms": Redefining success beyond conventional view.

More we see life from this lens, the more rooted to truth we are .

And the more rooted to truth we are, the more ease, grace and joy in life.