Part 5/14:
As we dissect the evolutionary journey towards human intelligence, it is essential to identify key milestones that have shaped our existence. These evolutionary phases operate under the vast timeline of an ever-young universe, suggesting that the potential for life is not boundless and, in particular, that life capable of advanced technology may be exceedingly rare.
Starting with abiogenesis, the origin of life, we acknowledge the uncertainties regarding the conditions that facilitate life in the universe. Scholars recognize that life on Earth began roughly between 4.28 billion and 3.5 billion years ago—an extensive and complex timeframe that many regard as surprisingly fast considering the multitude of chemical interactions required for life to spark.