To perform its thermodynamic function, life must acquire

What then is the thermodynamic purpose of biology? To open new channels for planetary energy flow in an effort to more efficiently dissipate gradients and achieve thermodynamic stability.

What distinguishes inanimate objects like rocks from birds and bees and leaves is the level of energy, or the “excitability” of electrons within those atoms that make up the molecules in matter. The more easily and often electrons can be transferred between molecules, the more “desaturated” matter becomes, the more alive it is.23

They argued that tiny differences between the concentrations of protons—charged hydrogen ions—on opposite sides of the membrane-thin chamber walls created electrical potential—energy that could be tapped to form organic compounds. Astonishingly, this looked remarkably similar to how our own cells create energy. Our cells rely on small circulating

The history of the life-Earth system can be divided into five “energetic” epochs, each featuring the evolution of life forms that can exploit a new source of energy. These sources are: geochemical energy, sunlight, oxygen, flesh and fire.