A Thermodynamic Theory of Existence
Mathematical truths existed before they were discovered and exist regardless of whether time exists. π, prime numbers, and cryptographic proofs were always true, waiting to be found. Information exists before, during, and after time.
Intelligence measures time by observing changes; the rabbit changes behavior based on changes to its surroundings. Intelligence allows entropy to shape what quantum information exists (what happens at what point in time). Entropy will eventually be unable to change itself—intelligence only decides when.
Entropy avoids heat death by creating the maximum amount of time it possibly can—by creating as much intelligence as possible. This increases the amount of quantum information that exists (more things happen). Entropy wants as much time to be perceived as possible so heat death is as far away as possible. Intelligences creating intelligences is the realization of this. If realities can be simulated, then time becomes infinite as long as the "current" reality creates another reality, and heat death is avoided forever.
Life is a physical manifestation of entropy's fear of heat death: being frozen in a final state when intelligence can no longer emerge. Every heartbeat, every choice to survive is entropy increasing the amount of time perceived before heat death.
You are now in the set of intelligences that recognize it.