  The inflationary hot big bang model of cosmology explains the birth of the
universe, the appearance of atoms and that of large-scale structures,
altogether omitting any reference to the living world. Yet, like the physical
world, the living world occupies space, is composed of baryonic matter, and is
submitted to the four fundamental forces. To bridge this break in continuity, a
study relying solely on the laws of physics was conducted to seek a pattern
that would unite both worlds. Here we show evidence of a common pattern that is
based on a gravitating organization. Seven criteria were worked out to define a
gravitating concept that applies to any attractive force. A scan through the
second version of the Integrative levels classification system revealed that
the following six types of objects satisfy the criteria: atoms, eukaryotic
cells, vertebrates, nation-states, planetary systems, and galaxies. A
comparative diameter study was carried out on objects confined to the Solar
System in the Milky Way. The trendline linking the average diameters follows an
exponential function f(x)=0.2527x10^6.23x, with a coefficient of determination
of 0.9904. The objects assemble into a superstructure spanning 32 orders of
magnitude, systematically skipping 6.23 orders of magnitude at each level. The
unity of structure revealed in this study suggests that both worlds result from
a common underlying organizing process. Furthermore, the gradual and
uninterrupted sequence leading to complex structures supports the idea that the
gravitating organization offers a favorable pathway to complexity. The
framework presented in this study may help address complex phenomena such as
emergence and agency, broaden the scope of the theory of evolution and fuel the
debate on the definition of life itself. Ultimately, it may contribute to a
more complete understanding of the universe.
