What is Life? | Teen Ink

What is Life?

November 6, 2018
By Teddygat0r BRONZE, Cupertino, California
Teddygat0r BRONZE, Cupertino, California
2 articles 0 photos 0 comments

We are alive.  Yes, we are.  But what is life?

Deep down inside, we are all made up of tiny bits and pieces, known as cells.  These cells don't do much by themselves, but together, they form us.  Humans.  But inside cells, we have organelles.  These organelles do all the functions of the cell.  When the cell needs to eat, it is coordinated together by these tiny dead parts.  And if you go on further, you'll find out that these organelles are then made from molecules.  Smaller and smaller you can go, and then you reach these bits of matter called protons, neutrons, and electrons.  But wait, these same bits of matter form everything from rocks to water to air.  We do not consider these to be alive.  But if deep down we are all made from the same thing, what do we define to be life?  Is life the infinitely list of complex chemical reactions going on in your body?  Why are we considered "alive" when other bits of matter made from the same things aren't.  Aren't we technically "dead" because we are made up of dead things?

What makes a person alive, and a rock dead?


The author's comments:

I was watching a youtube video about what is our conscience is.  It was then when I started thinking about what makes us different from mice, bugs, rocks, or dirt.  If we're all made up of the same things, what allows us to act differently from them?


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Seika5 said...
on Aug. 31 at 5:13 am
Seika5, Cupertino, California
0 articles 0 photos 2 comments
Indeed, one could argue that this individual embodies the essence of a philosopher in our modern era. Their thoughts and reflections resonate deeply with the complexities of contemporary existence. They seem to navigate the intricate web of human experience with a wisdom that transcends the ordinary. Each insight they offer sheds light on the profound questions that shape our lives. Their ideas challenge us to reconsider our perspectives, urging us to explore the deeper meanings behind our actions and beliefs. In a time where superficiality often prevails, their depth of understanding stands out as a beacon of intellectual rigor. Their contributions to the discourse of our age cannot be overstated. Truly, they are a philosopher for our time, guiding us through the ever-evolving landscape of human thought.