Living and Nonliving Systems

The article we explored in class about the nature of life provided helpful insight as to how I differentiate between living and nonliving systems. Take the example of a bicycle: it is a system of sorts, there are structures with fixed components, it is a well oiled mechanism. However, the design and particular important parts (wheels) never change. There is not a variation of how a bicycle works, nor is there a living system within these parts. By contrast, a living system is continually changing. "There is a ceaseless flux of matter through a living organism." This is quite evident as a human being... I am always changing, there is always 'ceaseless' activity, and this occurs on a cellular level and via identity as a person. Both are everchanging and therefore, a living system lives within me. This can be true of plants, animals, air, water- whether microscopically or up front and visual. I believe it is a gift to be witness to such a changing of events, to see growth, development and evolution. And I'm happy to see all of it on a bicycle.