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The first half of the book explains how human development,
evolution if y ou plese, has been made possible by biological processes driven
by random activities. These processes, according to Colling, are not theoretical
constructs open to various interpretations, but concepts accepted by the
scientific community as valid. The book moves in progressive fashion from a
discussion of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, to descriptions of the
interactions of the “Marvelous Molecules of Life,” to explanations of the
functions of genetics. The progression does not take place in a “lock-step”
fashion with each level necessitating the development of the next higher level
of existence. Rather when one stage of development came into existence, it
made possible the eventual development of the next. For example, a mixture
of amino acids, given proper conditions, will form into polymers of amino acids,
or a proteinoid chain. While the process is random, the outcome is not, as “a
built-in selection mechanism seemed to favor the inclusion of certain amino
acids over others (p.42).
The key concept of the process, the main idea that Colling works with is
randomness. Nature produces an over-abundance of potential, but only a small
portion of its potential is utilized. The bone marrow of the human body produces
billions of immature T cells which, in their mature state are essential for
fighting diseases. The cells pass through the thymus gland where they are graded
and equipped to carry out their function when full mature. However, only ~1%
of the cells pass successfully through this process. The other 99% are destroyed.
This is highly inefficient; however, it is highly effective as the successful T
cells are equipped to battle the infinite variety of diseases that could invade
the body (pp.69-72). The process is random, but the outcome is effective.
[ Continued on next page ]
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