In short, Life is the anti-entropy (re Schrodinger). The process is simple: a species survives when it contributes more to the future of its environment and offspring than it consumes in resources. Net Future Usefulness.

No magic, no woo. Just generosity as a survival process.

Humanity has yet to apply all of its Woo to being useful to its place. Any historical attempts to do so have been destroyed by selfish Genes (guys named Eugene or Charles or something).

Bullies.

We don't vote for leaders. We pray for the mean Mean's means with no ends in mind.