I imagine the universe as a bunch of disparate pieces that can combine in myriad ways. Some of those ways create the conditions for other pieces to combine in

I imagine the universe as a bunch of disparate pieces that can combine in myriad ways. Some of those ways create the conditions for other pieces to combine in a similar way. Once those pieces exist they actually change the world around them toward their own existence - sometimes in concert with other ways that promote mutual survival. Life is a very powerful version of this that actually converts other matter into itself. This happens at all levels of the universe - from quarks to humans to stars.