What is life?

Self replicating bio-chemical process...whatever that means

Not dependent on carbon or oxygen...use the seafloor plumes as an example

Must have energy to work

Simple at the most basic level, though complicated as time let's it evolve

Probably can be computer modeled at the most basic level using the analog approach, vice the digital approach with today's knowledge

Probably a Stella analog model would work...does not have to mimic "life" initially...like a random number generator

Quantum mechanics explains how things work...not why things work  Use this idea

Probably exists throughout the universe

Only has to reproduce itself perfectly to begin

Mutations can evolve it later

Ignore religion and cultures at the beginning

KISS  Keep it simple stupid initially

More complicated process probably is linear or 3-D automata based