I agree with you from a strictly reductionist viewpoint. Life is merely a chemical chain reaction. There is no predestined plan except that which is determined by the nature of physical interactions by the components of larger structures and then interactions amongst the larger structures themselves.

It’s at this stage of evolution that purpose is introduced. I say purpose because the direct interactions of chemicals are superseded at the direction of humans, a sentient species. In effect, a superchemical chain reaction (in the form of humans in our example) is taking place in nature.

We call this ability to direct the interactions of chemicals intelligence. While we know of only one species with this ability, scientists are fervently searching the cosmos for evidence of others.

We can ask, “Is intelligence the zenith of evolution?”

I contend that it is not. In my considered opinion, intelligence is an advanced stage of evolution wherein random chemical interactions are replaced by directed ones. Directed by intelligences, such as modern humans, that arose from randomness that was influenced by adaptation, mutations and all of the other attributes of natural selection.

With the evolution of intelligence now governed by an intelligent species, a logical projection is that it will design and create a super-intelligent species. That is, in fact, happening now.

It won’t be in a biologically enhanced human form, however. Our maximum intellectual abilities have been reached. Fortunately, they include the ability to create a self-designing species that will be our successor. We call it artificial intelligence but it is, in every sense of the word, as natural as we are.

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Both religious folks and yourself attempt to find a purpose in a concept beyond life itself.

Honestly, I don’t see any value in making up a purpose for life. I depend upon observations to help me project the direction evolution is taking, especially in humans.

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Most religions will at least entangle a high value for human life within their belief systems, though.

That high value for human life is supposed, however, when one looks at the number of deaths attributed to religious wars fought throughout the history of humanity. Add to that the number of individual murders of people who worship the wrong god, or no god at all, and your statement takes on the feeling of an outright lie to an objective observer.