These pages render the prevailing scientific view that the atoms in our bodies relate to the Universe in general. We elucidate the modern paradigm of cosmic evolution—an astrobiology, a cosmogenesis, a whole new scientific philosophy—whereby changes, both gradual or episodic and generational or developmental, in the composition and structure of matter have given rise to galaxies, stars, planets, and life. We attempt to synthesize the essential ingredients of astrophysics and biochemistry, for these two subjects more than any others are greatly impacting our philosophical conceptions of ourselves as human beings and of our place in the Universe. Published by Tufts University.