The Inevitability of Life: Geochemistry and the Emergence of Living Systems

Explore the compelling argument that life's emergence was an inevitable outcome of early Earth's geochemistry in this thought-provoking lecture by Professor D. Eric Smith of the Santa Fe Institute. Delve into the evidence challenging the notion that life arose from a series of improbable events, and discover how the same forces responsible for life's emergence have continued to support its persistence. Examine the contrast between the complexity of life and the relative simplicity of biochemistry, and investigate the ongoing struggle in biology to reconcile these concepts. Analyze the chemical breakdown processes that may have led to life's origins, and critically evaluate various theories about the emergence of life, from "heaven theories" to "hell theory." Gain insights into the fundamental chemistry of life and engage with thought-provoking questions about the nature of life's origins and persistence on Earth.