> We absolutely do not know what forces drove random molecules in a mud puddle towards the need to create protective shells, consume/store energy and reproduce.
Nor do we know that they "needed" to. But we do know that they did, and by doing so made themselves more survivable.
> There is a life "force", without doubt,
Thank you Qui Gon, but I think a bit more information than that is needed before we can say "without doubt."
You don't have enough evidence of life to constitute a force?
A force is a "need", per se.
"...I think a bit more information than that is needed before we can say "without doubt."
Nothing exists that is not the result of forces of various sorts, acting upon it, and within it. Since it, life, exists, without doubt a force, or series of consequential forces, exist that caused it to come into existence in the first place (by overcoming all other forces which worked in opposition to life).