Why is the universe conscious? What kindles mind inside matter? Why do fundamentalist sciences and religions never ask these questions? This sequel to <i>Embryogenesis </i>deals with the theoretical issues brought up by <i>Embryogenesis, </i>including: the relationship between thermodynamics/entropy and the emergence of life; a speculative set of embryogenic principles for all creatures on all planets in the cosmos; an explanation and critique of Intelligent Design and a proposal for a more dynamic psychospiritual theory of creature development; a series of alternatives to genetic determinism; a discussion of the relationship between consciousness and matter; an interjection of 9/11 (which occurred during the writing of this book); and many other topics. <br> <br>Chapters include: <br>What is Life?: Evolution, Thermodynamics, and Complexity; <br>Is There a Plan?: Creationism, Cultural Relativism, and Paraphysics; <br>Biogenesis and Cosmogenesis: Cells, Genes, and Planets; <br>The Principles of Biological Design: Physical Forces in Nature; <br>The Dynamics of the Biosphere: Deep Time and Space; <br>The Limits of Genetic Determinism: Dimensionless Epigenetic Landscapes; <br>Topokinesis: Physical Forces in Development; <br>Tissue Motifs and Body Plans: Coordinating Form; <br>The Primordial Field: Metabiology and The Molecular Apparatus; <br>Meaning and Destiny: The Relation of Consciousness to Matter