Life is thermodynamically far from equilibrium...
       ...and chemical reactions proceed from a
          disequilibrium state toward equilibrium...

   Life can exist as such because the downhill (exergonic
   reactions - release free energy) of molecular degradation,
   which move toward equilibrium are slower than the uphill
  (endergonic - energy requiring) reactions...
 exergonic reactions are slower than
endergonic reactions.
    
          rx rates
    ex:  hydrolysis reactions are slower, due to the high
                      activation energy needed, while
           condensation reactions are faster,
                     due to lower activation energies.
  
       thus complex molecules may exist in a metastable
       state for extended periods of time (Life).

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