How would we know if the universe was actually alive? Tantalisingly, it shows many of the vital signs of a living organism.

Life on Earth is organised into systems and structures: atoms, molecules, macromolecules, cells, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems and finally the biosphere. Life stops at the biosphere because we currently do not know if it exists outside of our Earth. Many believe it’s only a question of time before we find it, after all, there are trillions of stars, most of them with exoplanets like ours orbiting them. According to the Drake equation, there are between 10 and 10,000 advanced civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy alone. If so, the universe must be crawling with life and extra levels will need to be added to life’s hierarchy. But is there an ultimate level? Are we living in a Unisphere, and if so, what would the vital signs be to tell us if it were alive? 

Something that grows and organises itself into more complex forms is usually alive. The universe has grown and organised itself into the vast cosmic web we observe today. 

Something that creates energy to maintain its needs is alive. The universe creates energy in stars, which provide sustenance for life (probably) in the exoplanets orbiting them. Is it producing energy to sustain its own needs? It’s an intriguing possibility. 

Something that regulates itself is alive. The universe exhibits a cosmic balance, where forces interact to sustain structure, from the formation of galaxies to the behavior of black holes, dark matter and dark energy. 

Something that adapts and responds to its environment is alive. The universe moves whole galaxies along arterial routes such as the Great Attractor, due to gravitational interactions. Star-producing gasses, life-producing base chemicals, whole galaxies and other essential matter, flow around filaments like cells in blood arteries. We do not know if anything exists outside of the universe, but it certainly appears to adapt and respond with purpose within itself.

Something that reproduces and has offspring is alive. The universe is believed by many physicists to be part of a multiverse and even that bubble universes exist within our universe.

Something that excretes waste is alive. The universe has black holes which pull matter, debris, gasses and cosmic dust into them, like giant plug holes.

Conclusion: The universe seems to share some of the properties of a living organism, and indeed, some believe it is even conscious itself. I’m not sure about that, but if the universe is alive, it makes me wonder who has created it? Where has such an incredible, vast and humongous living organism come from? It’s highly unlikely that something this vast and purposeful, with all its inherent laws, scientific principles, maxims and axioms, has created itself, for no reason. In my mind, I can’t help feeling it’s as though the universe is housed inside a humongous terrarium jar – and a kind, benevolent, (but pretty powerful) gardener is watching over us. He’s not asking us to worship him, doesn’t want our acts of service or need our gratitude, he just wants us to grow, to thrive, to flourish and to enjoy the beautiful garden he has created for us.