Earth history could be said to be that of the development of intelligence, of which physical life is but the incidental vehicle. The potential perfection of intelligence was achieved when humanity appeared. From then on perhaps there was no need for life to progress further.

Maybe if that potential were released all life would settle down to a state of stable continuation. In the present interim, with our intelligence far from being perfected, it is certain that, on the contrary, advanced life-forms on Earth are gradually declining and under threat of extinction.