Publisher's Synopsis
Evolution is the story of how things develop from a simple to a more complex existence. Evolution not only concerns biological changes since the earth was created, it also encompasses the substantive changes in matter/energy since the universe began. The same force driving biological evolution on earth is driving cosmic evolution throughout the universe. Evidence for the existence of that force is apparent when we step back and observe what we know (or as least believe) about changes in matter/energy since the Big Bang.
We know that protons and neutrons each went through evolutionary phases and then combined to create nucleuses. We know that nucleuses and electrons went through their evolutionary phases and then combined to make a larger and more complex form called atoms. We know that atoms went through their evolutionary phases, combining to make molecules, stars, organic macromolecules, and eventually a much larger a more complex form called a cell. We know that cells went through their evolutionary phases, developing locomotion, organs, a nervous system, and more, eventually combining to produce a much larger and more complex form called an organism. These observations infer that evolution moves through phases of development and combining until a dominate, stable Level is reached. That Level then begins new phases of evolution until it too can combine to create the next, more complex Level. Additionally, each Level evolves its own distinct emergent qualities that assist it in its surviving, developing, and combining. The Journey of the Universe tells the story of eight Levels of evolution starting at the Big Bang. It covers two levels before subatomic particles evolved, the next four levels leading to the organism (which includes humankind), and the two Levels describing how organisms will combine and how that complex Level will someday combine. How humans might combine to form a larger Level of existence may be difficult to imagine, but once the reader understands the evidence for it, she will be amazed at its simplicity and inevitability. Everything humankind has accomplished in the last three hundred years has been unconsciously oriented toward the goal of combining. If we don't annihilate ourselves beforehand, our combining to create a new Level of existence will inexorably take place.The process driving cosmic (and biological) evolution is called the Combination and Growth Imperative, or CAGI (kay-g) for short. The story of the CAGI's history and future takes the reader on a remarkable journey, to the heart and soul of the universe itself. It is a journey the reader will embrace, extol, and never forget.
