dhw: All life appeared against all the odds. I agree with you: I don't see how an inorganic universe can invent a consciousness. Nor do I see how first-cause energy can simply BE conscious. Two equally “impossible” hypotheses. That is a pretty good reason for agnosticism. Paul Davies is also an agnostic. Why do you think that is? DAVID: He is protecting his scientific career. -Purely out of interest, do you have any evidence of this, or is it just conjecture on your part?