I prefer the notion that claims we are cast off souls from the Tao and this is part of a natural cycle. This cycle takes eons to complete. The universe goes through an expansive period. All sentient and non-sentient beings evolve. In other words, what we see as non-sentient becomes sentient eventually. After all everything emanates from a sole mutual source. All species that do not reach the point of reincorporation with what some feel is :God. All that Is, Spirit, Allah ; whatever one considers the epitome of existence, return during the next expansive period. Each expansive period is followed by an period of rest. Eventually all that exists, evolves and incorporates into "all" In other words we/others are all gods becoming.
In between lives, we choose our next experience. We do not always succeed in fulfilling our ideals, we always learn from our errors. That is what existence is about.