Is life supernatural?

Gilbert V. Levin

doi:10.1117/12.2191443

11 September 2015 Is life supernatural?

Gilbert V. Levin

Proceedings Volume 9606, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XVII; 960603 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2191443
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2015, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The big question of the origin of life is examined. The paradox created by Pasteur’s resounding edict: Life only comes from life, pitted against the need for spontaneous generation is explored. This seemingly dead-end conundrum contrasts sharply with the great progress we have made in understanding the evolution of the species since Darwin’s revolutionary insight. The conditions and sources of energy that might have promoted non-living molecules and compounds to cross the sharp line from inert to living are contemplated. Abiotic synthesis might help explain the origin, but still fails to explain the moment of vitalization. A different approach to discovering when the inert becomes alive is proposed. The need for, and a way to bring forth, a “Bio-Einstein” to solve this penultimate question of life’s origin are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Gilbert V. Levin "Is life supernatural?", Proc. SPIE 9606, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XVII, 960603 (11 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2191443

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