The Earth differs radically from all other planets that we know of, and the reason is that it harbours life. Life is not just a kind of optional add-on that might or might not be present here; it has very substantially modified the physical properties of the Earth. Thus, the evolution of the Earth and the evolution of life are inextricably intertwined. The authors contend that just a few profound revolutions in this interaction have led to the Earth as we know it today – and they ponder about the new (anthropocene) revolution that is currently in progress and discuss where it may lead.