Only a few writers, such as Lewis Thomas, are able to overcome the general tendency to indifference about biology. Thomas expressed an admirable sense of wonder about mitochondria, termites, the sense of smell, and words. Cosmic Ancestry completely restores enchantment to nature. No longer is biology the result of meaningless accidents. Now we realize that life on Earth is related to life throughout the universe.
Biology has universal principles.
Now one can genuinely enjoy studying the anatomy of a dead beetle or a living horse. Now the barely comprehended nanoscale technology of ribosomes and enzymes boggles the mind. The migration of wintering birds or spawning fish is now pregnant with Gaian purpose. The structural engineering of trees or bones is entertaining. Leaves seem to make the most pleasing and economical solar panels.