The origin of life is one of the great outstanding mysteries of science. People do not know whether life occurs because of an extraordinary fluke of chemistry that is unique to earth, or whether the universe is teeming with life. But either way, they can be sure of one thing: The universe permits life in at least one location. That basic fact, while blindingly obvious, conceals a subtle mystery about which scientists hold strong, and strongly differing, opinions. Explanations for life on earth have included divine intervention and incredible luck. But the real answer may be as strange, and as natural, as quantum physics. This article discusses the different theories about the universe's bio-friendliness, and the author's belief that we must let go of Platonism in order to discover the truth.