# The oldest direct evidence of life—written documents, clothing, remnants of civilizations, tree rings, etc. -- is no older than about 3,000 B.C. and certainly younger than 4,000 B.C., the approximate date of origin of the Earth, based on a literal reading of the [[Bible]]. | # The oldest direct evidence of life—written documents, clothing, remnants of civilizations, tree rings, etc. -- is no older than about 3,000 B.C. and certainly younger than 4,000 B.C., the approximate date of origin of the Earth, based on a literal reading of the [[Bible]]. |