life and the discrete

Let's assume that the physical, material dimension has no discrete elements. This is a major assumption. If no thing that exists had no end unto itself. Molecule becomes atom becomes nucleus, then quarks, gluons and so on --- forever. Can this be assumed ?

Is there an absolute zero ? Kelvin thinks so. We haven't gotten there yet, and anyhow is it possible to mechanically, or electronically, transmit anything where absolutely nothing can happen ? I don't know. But there is no disagreeing with Kelvin on absolute zero. It's mathematically proven -- that must mean it's right, no?

Look, math is the ideal. It needs discrete values, or else it's just a mess. We take from math so readily, perhaps because in a, albeit troped, Darwinistic model of estimated self-interest, the idea of the division of resources -- of the group versus the individual -- or vice versa, is so fundamental to survival.

So the idea of the discrete preceeds our rational understanding of what discrete is. There is one of something. Now there are two of something. RNA, for instance, works on this principle.

The RNA does not know what discrete is -- it merely knows how to act upon its occurring. And math allows us to document as a form of a statement its occurance.

Through the wonderful manipulation of energy all around, life has been able to evolve without cognitively knowing the difference between one and two, or nothingness and existence. Yes, mate selection, the instinct to fight or flee, a horde of aphids eating not one, but two lettuces on a given summers day -- all of these things do not require the comprehension of the discrete -- they just act on its existence. And with math we have been able to discuss concretely about the matter.