Avoiding any mention of design, we may, in a purely factual sense, state that the universe is constructed in such a way that [a] multitude of life-bearing planets was bound to arise. Among the billions of stars that make up each galaxy, many are bound to be circled by planets, a few of which, at least, are bound to be of the right size and in the right spatial orientation with respect to their sun (perhaps a large moon may be needed as well, to cause tides) to offer a cradle for life.
p. 292
Christian de Duve Vital Dust: Life as a Cosmic Imperative
Basic Books, 1995

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