This is in opposition to Darwinian theory, Wheatley says. Life comes together with other life because that makes life possible. It looks messy, but it is directed toward order. Life is self-organizing. Systems can develop a whole pattern of being that emerges from the work of the system.
Life organizes around identity.
A system will change to preserve itself. Our need to belong is so strong that we will change if we think it preserves us. People resist change because they can't see themselves in the change. Life seeks what works, not what's right. Life tinkers itself into new possibilities.