William B. Miller Jr. - Bioverse: How the Cellular World Contains the Secrets to Lifes Biggest Questions

A Note on Medicine and Health

The material contained in this book is for informational purposes only. None of this material is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking any new health care regimen.

This book is an ample illustration of its primary message emphasizing the universality of connectedness. When rightly considered, everyone I have met and interacted with throughout my life merits recognition; however, a few have had such predominant influence that they deserve special mention. This book would not exist absent an invitation to frame its ideas from two exceptional entrepreneurs, Ara Katz and Raja Dhir. My deepest thanks to both. I was also fortunate to be represented by my extraordinary agent, Wendy Keller. Her critical analysis of the book, keen appraisal of its prospects, and inspiring and definitive guidance was crucial to its success. Without it, I would never have had the corresponding opportunity to interact with Jake Bonar, my talented editor at Rowman and Littlefield, and my meticulous copyeditor, Veronica Jurgena. Their deft touch is everywhere throughout the book. Finally, it is appropriate to honor the scientific community that has provided the continuous advances that undergird the principles of Bioverse. Many of my brilliant colleagues claim special thanks, John Torday, Frantiek Baluka, Arthur Reber, Michael Levin, Frank Ryan, Denis Noble, Brian J. Ford, Perry Marshall, Jon Lieff, Tam Hunt, Francisco Enguita, and Richard Jacobs. All have contributed mightily to my thoughts, and their insights are central to this book.

She lay on her back, breathing softly, and wondered at the limitless night sky. Everywhere above, the measureless stars were glittering specks of incandescent light. Across trillions of miles and billions of years, their testament now reached her. In their scant shimmering glow, they upheld a silent message. You are united with us through invisible threads, not just in this moment but for eternity.

There is no doubt that humans have unique gifts. We are well aware of them and assume that an innate superiority categorically separates us from the rest of our planetary companions. Few question our natural supremacy over all other living things. Yet, despite that lofty self-regard, our own lives are plagued with uncomfortable uncertainties and personal doubts. There are so many nagging questions that rattle our thoughts. We often question ourselves: Why do I make bad choices? Why am I always unhappy? Those who are lonely may ask in despair, Do I matter at all? Does anyone care? Each of these anxieties shares a common denominatorthey reflect our continuous struggle to find our place in an unsettling world. Part of the dilemma is a continuous assault by a barrage of self-aggrandizing social media that is invariably unsettling. It provokes us. We stress about our family, friends, and society at large. For some, the status of the entire planet is woeful. For others, the entire universe seems scrambled. Whether we admit our misgivings or not, we are all united in a forced confrontation with agitating inner questions. You know the ones that Im talking about. Theyre the disconcerting ones that spring out of nowhere during the day or visit uninvited in the middle of the night.

What difference do I make?

How should I be living my life so that it makes some sense?

Feeling adrift is a nearly universal sensibility in this tumultuous moment. Our prior societal touchstones have lost their force. Many believe that they are simply wandering through life, hoping to find some security and purpose along the way. Many silently wonder, Am I simply running out the clock with my life?

Throughout history, religious faith has provided answers to these vexing doubts. Yet, for many in our era, the piety that provided comfort for millennia no longer seems legitimate. As a result, our daily anxieties grind. There appears to be no comforting refuge. Most would agree that we live in an angst-ridden age. In reaction, many compensate through a relentless search for personal fulfillment. For some, it is a devotion to causes. Others seek some general spiritual reassurance in the hope of divining some identifiable purpose to their lives.

Fortunately, there is an antidote for this modern malady of prevalent unease. In this fretful time, science can provide evidence that there is genuine permanent meaning in your life. Exacting science provides direct assurance that our lives are much more than just in the moment. This heartening conclusion springs from an unforeseen source. An ongoing exploration of the intricate wonders of our cells has unexpectedly revealed previously hidden connections between ourselves, our planet, and the cosmos.