Given their low probability substantial deviations from thermodynamic equilibrium will be extremely rare. But given enough time, or an expansive enough space of possibilities, the occurrence of observers in such spaces is highly probable if not inevitable (if the space is infinite). This class of explanation is compatible with the multiverse as a whole being close to thermodynamic equilibrium, but sustaining occasional pockets or domains that deviate significantly from equilibrium.

Several versions of the anthropic principle have been identified (weak, strong, participatory). The version being appealed to here is the Weak Anthropic Principle, described by Barrow and Tipler (see citation) in these terms: "The observed values of all physical and cosmological quantities are not equally probable, but they take on values restricted by the requirement that there exist sites where carbon-based life can evolve and by the requirement that the universe be old enough for it to have already done so."

Two Component elements have been added to this node corresponding to the parts of the explanation above.