Chapter 1: The Quest for Understanding

This article addresses the pivotal questions surrounding human life, as discussed in chapters 7–10 of "Inventory of the Universe," which cover topics like Human Life, the Human Body, the Brain and Mind, and the Human-Animal Dilemma. Our goal in examining these questions is to uncover answers that provide a cohesive understanding of the Universe, Earth, and humankind. This is no small feat, as we seek a source that offers comprehensive insights.

In the concluding parts of "Audit of the Universe," it became evident that despite efforts from leaders, philosophers, scientists, and religious figures, a coherent understanding remains elusive. Humanity, in its own right, struggles to decode this complex equation. Thus, we turn to theology, exploring whether there exists a sacred text authored by a divine source that transcends human comprehension. At this juncture, "The Explanation" does not assert the existence of such a source; rather, it presents the issues at hand, leaving it to you to determine if these arguments lead to a satisfying understanding.

A comprehensive list of fundamental questions awaits us, especially those concerning the essence of human life. For instance, when pondering how we should treat our employees, we can provide answers, but without understanding the purpose of human existence, our solutions remain incomplete. Every employee, regardless of their location, is a human being, and comprehending the significance of their existence is crucial for maintaining a productive and contented workplace.

We delve deeper into our search for a sacred text with insights from a source beyond humanity, one that can illuminate this essential topic of human life.

How can we envision global peace and prosperity if we haven't first achieved it on an individual level?

We recognize that DNA operates on a top-down framework to convey information that orchestrates biological complexity. This is where we observe chronobiology at its finest. Consider DNA as possessing internal clocks, each aligned with the life cycles of cities like Paris, Rome, New York, Hong Kong, or Tokyo. These timers manage the multitude of elements within a DNA strand, ensuring precise and immediate regulation to produce various RNA types, which in turn combine amino acids into lengthy proteins that are dispatched throughout the body, sustaining life.

A recurring and troubling inquiry arises: which came first? Proteins synthesize amino acids while simultaneously containing them. When constructing a flowchart, which should take precedence?

When amino acids bond, they form approximately five hundred chains, yet only twenty serve as the foundational blocks for proteins. Why this specific selection? Why does human life possess its unique composition?

"Do you understand the origins of amino acids?" Galacti inquires. "They derive from various sources, including the food we digest into amino acids, which then enter the bloodstream. Alternatively, they can be synthesized from simpler molecules through other processes."

The intricacies of protein synthesis are captivating, particularly the almost instantaneous formation into diverse three-dimensional geometric shapes. Why these particular configurations?

Yet, can a single cell be deemed insignificant to human existence—or can it?

What exactly occurs within a cell?

Specific cells undergo expiration, while adjacent cells transform into various skin types, each with defined functions. What governs this process?

Some cells possess an internal self-destruction mechanism that removes them from standard cellular functions. "Is it too severe to term this suicide?" Galacti asks, or is it akin to a machine shutting down?

The pressing question remains: how does a single fertilized cell discern its path to becoming one of the approximately four hundred distinct cell types present in our bodies?

Every movement we make, every breath we take, indicates that cellular processes and the fundamental atoms in DNA are perpetually active. But how does this happen? Are genes the key?

Scientists are awakening to the true purpose of the approximately 80 percent of DNA once thought to be nonfunctional. "In light of this," Galacti adds, "what surprising roles might the remaining 20 percent hold for us?"

Given the intricate interplay of nature and nurture, how is humankind so distinct?

What motivates transposable elements to move? How do they identify their insertion points?

The manipulation of transposable elements can activate, suppress, or induce disease in specific human functions and characteristics. With 80 percent of our genome actively involved, why do we maintain good health?

How do the gene and chromosome counts, along with DNA base pairs, compare across other organisms?

For instance, why does the rare flowering plant Paris japonica boast the largest genome of any living organism measured?

Does a larger genome signify a more advanced organism?

Consider the simple, irregularly shaped Amoeba dubia, which holds 670 billion base pairs of nucleotides—the blueprint for its unique structure and movement. How does it possess a larger genome than humans?

How do the distinct base pair combinations in a dog's DNA, differing from those in a worm, create the unique features of specific dog breeds, including their ears, noses, and fur?

Or how do genes dictate the specific head and thorax configurations in fruit flies?

Exactly how do genomes and DNA generate the variations we observe in life around us?

Chapter 2: The Dynamics of Life

We marvel at the evolution of language. When did the first words or syllables emerge? Were they uttered by ancient Chinese cultures or those from the Indus Valley?

How is it that our bodies maintain the precise amount of minerals necessary for strong bones and a sturdy spine?

What enables our lower bones to support our weight, while the pectoral girdle and arm bones coordinate to perform everyday tasks?

Why do women possess breasts? What biological adaptations allow women to conceive and nurture children? Why do men have a greater concentration of hemoglobin in their red blood cells compared to women?

Additionally, body fat contributes to women's curves and fuller hips, raising questions about the origins of these differences—are they rooted in hormones, DNA, or perhaps the brain?

Chapter 3: Understanding the Brain and Mind

The cerebral cortex serves as the control center, allowing us to explore critical inquiries: Are humans capable of perception, thought, and reasoning? If so, what is the purpose of our ability to reason?

Can the brain's structure truly elucidate our actions, thoughts, loves, and fears?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all cultivated positive associations?

How do infants acquire knowledge? For example, how do they discern larger numbers or memorize nursery rhymes? How do they learn these skills on cue?

Why can infants read lips, and why does their malleable cognitive state enable them to acquire multiple languages with relative ease?

Despite infants possessing larger brains, their neuronal networks resemble a library awaiting new information; their brain maps are merely blueprints. Why is this the case?

Teenagers exhibit different brain functionalities. Why don't they benefit from the same advantages as young children, who have around 60 percent more neurons? What significance lies in the development of certain brain areas in teenagers while others remain underdeveloped, particularly those governing judgment and emotional regulation?

Why do these bright, inquisitive, neuron-rich brains incessantly ask "Why?"

Is there an underlying message we are yet to grasp? Is the universal brain attempting to convey something important?

Why do all brains exhibit identical critical periods, regardless of sex or race? How can a woman raised in Malaysia experience similar lifelong brain processing patterns as someone from a different background? While our thoughts may differ due to varied experiences, do we share a common cognitive framework?

We ponder the nature of thought itself—what does it truly mean to think?

What exactly constitutes the mind? While we can observe brain activity through scans, can we visualize the mind within those images?

Which comes first: thought or neuronal activity?

Will we one day be able to "see" thoughts—such as hunger, longing for home, or love—manifesting within our complex neuronal networks?

This raises a vital question: how does the mental exercise of thought influence physical actions?

An interface must exist. What mechanisms trigger thoughts to translate into physical actions that activate brain activity?

We observe the kittens and ducklings reintroduced into the lab by Galacti. Do they possess thoughts? Do their brain maps evolve?

Throughout our exploration, we encounter numerous mysteries, all encapsulated in the age-old dilemma: which came first, the chicken or the egg? Did amino acids precede proteins, or vice versa? Science and humanity have much left to uncover, but can we truly answer such inquiries?

For instance, we often ask, "What existed before the Big Bang?" or "What catalyzed that initial explosion?"

We might also ask, "Given that the universe is expanding, what force propels this phenomenon?"

And, "Since our universe comprises space and time, into what realm is it expanding? What exists beyond the edges of our universe, expanding at an astounding rate?"

Galacti dons his playful hat and poses his "why" questions: "Why does this universe exist? Why are humans present on Earth? Is there a purpose to life?"

Chapter 4: The Human-Animal Conundrum

Philosophical inquiries abound: why do we exist? Some may dismiss these questions, claiming they are irrelevant, while others seek answers—be they scientific, philosophical, or spiritual. The ultimate goal would be to find solutions that satisfy all these domains. Is such a feat attainable?

Do animals exhibit a sense of kinship as humans do, or is it merely instinct for survival?

While animals may kill for sustenance or self-defense, they do not engage in indiscriminate destruction or kill for pleasure. This delicate balance fosters a living equilibrium. Can we say the same for humanity?

The overarching question is how each of these elements contributes to achieving peace and prosperity on Earth. The fundamental inquiry is: do animals play a role in this? Can they offer insights and clues?

"Can humanity unlock the secrets to attaining peace and prosperity?"

Who would have ever imagined the advent of 3D printing? Yet, it became a reality through human innovation.

What defines an animal? What delineates a human?

When we assess today's world, who is instigating transformation? Who is at the center of every change, modification, and revolution that has historically reshaped society and is accelerating at an unprecedented pace?

Why can a blind piglet instinctively find its mother’s nipples to feed moments after birth, while a human newborn requires assistance to latch on?

Why do foals and calves manage to stand and walk shortly after birth, while human infants take months to achieve even the most basic movements?

What accounts for the rapid independence of animals with smaller brains compared to the lengthy maturation process of humans, who possess immense cognitive potential?

When seven billion individuals engage with the same cosmic puzzle under their unique rules, can the original design remain intact for long?

Can the pieces of this puzzle maintain their perfect alignment, each fulfilling its role within the intricate whole? What is the current state of our cosmic puzzle? Is it still recognizable? How deeply do we care to understand its original form? To what extent can humanity continue to fragment the edges of these pieces before the entire structure collapses?

What is the state of our shared universal legacy? Do we experience peace and prosperity? Is it truly achievable for all? If so, how can we attain it?

In summary, we confront numerous perplexing inquiries that touch upon every facet of our universe, from the cosmos to the essence of human life and our remarkable intellect. Next week, we will present final questions for the author of this essential sacred text, guiding us toward coherent understanding.

This article is derived from chapter 2.3 of "Origin of the Universe."

You can access the full text of "Origin of the Universe" online. Sam maintains a weekly blog at TheExplanation.com, where he delves into Biblical Hebrew to uncover deeper meanings within the scriptures.