Though we feel we can choose what we do, our understanding of the molecular basis of biology shows that biological processes are governed by the laws of physics and chemistry and therefore are as determined as the orbits of the planets.

Because there is a law such as gravity, the Universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the Universe exists, why we exist. It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the Universe going.

Or in other words, why does disorder increase in the same direction of time as that in which the universe expands?

The human race does not have a very good record of intelligent behavior.

Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it.

To my mathematical brain, the numbers alone make thinking about aliens perfectly rational.

Nothing is better than reading and gaining more and more knowledge.