Consider that they have the same stuff as life, but not of the same order of complexity. All the prerequisites for consciousness, cell structure, and society already exist in the subatomic particles. The complexity isn't there, so the higher attributes don't manifest, but the forces and energy are there in a less organized form. Simple evolution, the basics are there already, but it's too hot or too cold, or too wet or too dry in all cases except for us on earth. Goldilocks and the three bears: this porridge is just right. That's us--Goldilocks. Cosmic truth in a child's nursery tale.