From: John Beckett 

"Geo."  wrote in message
news::
> If there is no purpose, then why does live evolve but not devolve? Strictly
> speaking, random change should result in no change in average evolutionary
> direction, yet life seems to be headed in a direction.

We discussed this misconception in the Andromeda thread as well.

As Alan suggested, the result of millions of years of evolution from a few
simple bacteria has been:
1. Staggeringly large quantities of different types of bacteria. 2. Smaller
numbers of more complex organisms. 3. Smaller again numbers of even more
complex organisms. 4. Tiny numbers of really complex organisms. 5. One
species of a staggeringly complex organism - the human.

The book "Full House" (I think it had another title in some
countries) by Steven J Gould was one extended attempt to squash the
"evolution has a direction/purpose" argument.

Consider a hose streaming water on a wall (you can imagine something other
than a hose if you like:). Drops of water splash around, some going a long
way up the wall. However, it is not the purpose of the hose to push water
up the wall. The hose is really soaking the wall directly ahead. A few
drops randomly happen to get pushed high up the wall.

In evolution, we are the drops splashed high up the wall.

Different species of bacteria now inhabit the deepest ocean crevices,  the
highest mountain peaks, as well as rocks deep underground. Bacteria is the
most successful output of evolution and is represented by the soaking wet
wall directly in front of the hose.

Based on quantity, and possibly by weight as well, bacteria is the
"purpose" of evolution. We are a freak aberration.

John

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