A gravitating pattern unifies the living and physical worlds

Abstract

The inflationary hot big bang model of cosmology explains the birth of the universe, the appearance of atoms and that of large-scale structures, altogether omitting any reference to the living world. Yet, like the physical world, the living world occupies space, is composed of baryonic matter, and is submitted to the four fundamental forces. To bridge this break in continuity, a study relying solely on the laws of physics was conducted to seek a pattern that would unite both worlds. Here we show evidence of a common pattern that is based on a gravitating organization. Seven criteria were worked out to define a gravitating concept that applies to any attractive force. A scan through the second version of the Integrative levels classification system revealed that the following six types of objects satisfy the criteria: atoms, eukaryotic cells, vertebrates, nation-states, planetary systems, and galaxies. A comparative diameter study was carried out on objects confined to the Solar System in the Milky Way. The trendline linking the average diameters follows an exponential function f(x)=0.2527x10^6.23x, with a coefficient of determination of 0.9904. The objects assemble into a superstructure spanning 32 orders of magnitude, systematically skipping 6.23 orders of magnitude at each level. The unity of structure revealed in this study suggests that both worlds result from a common underlying organizing process. Furthermore, the gradual and uninterrupted sequence leading to complex structures supports the idea that the gravitating organization offers a favorable pathway to complexity. The framework presented in this study may help address complex phenomena such as emergence and agency, broaden the scope of the theory of evolution and fuel the debate on the definition of life itself. Ultimately, it may contribute to a more complete understanding of the universe.