[AJames]

ballaratdragons

Sorry, you have slightly missed the point, as the argument here is both philosophical and rhetorical. It goes back to the nature of reality and the purpose of the universe. If there wasn't any intelligent life in the universe, then there would be no one to observe it, and hence no purpose. Like the philosophical riddle;

If a tree falls in a forest, and no one hears it, does it make any sound?

Similarly you could ask;

Does the Universe exist for us or regardless of us?

Actually it is more a question about the observer and the knowledge of the unobserved world and the difference between understanding about feeling, sensation and the nature of reality.

Hence, "...because we like to imagine what the world and the universe would be without us." - "us" meaning "intelligent life"! Ie. Without a purpose.

Andrew