The quoted statement implies that whether we're really alive or pseudo-animated slime depends entirely upon factors of whence we came and not at all upon what we are.
Suppose someone shows you a car you've never seen before. It's fast, nimble, a hoot to drive, and has great creature comforts. In fact it has everything most people like in a car. Asked what you think of it, you say, "I can't tell you if it's good or not. You haven't said if it was made in the USA."