"The Anthropic Principle maintains that the construction of the world, as given through the laws of nature and its evolution, is judged by whether or not it could enable the evolution of intelligence. Turned backwards, the Anthropic Principle sheds light on the role of man--or any extraterrestrial life--in the universe. This book surveys the properties needed to allow life to exist and supports the view that only an extremely narrow range of possible universes may prosper with observers. Hence, our universe may be seen as quite unique by our very existence."--Back cover.