2A. Life = Systems in motion:

A systemic definition of life connects the origin of life with the origin of the Universe because ultimately anything that exists is part of a system in motion. Therefore, every thing contains life. Such a definition is founded upon the original process that created life as we commonly know it; the Big Bang. Furthermore, this definition assumes the existence of matter. For where there is matter, there is gravity. Where there is gravity, there is motion. Where there is motion, there is imbalance, and where there is imbalance, there is time.

Matter = gravity = motion = imbalance = time

I expect that some will argue that the above definition (life = systems in motion) is too simplistic and general. However, I believe it is fitting that a term at the foundation of an entire field (biology) is broad. Furthermore, despite being short, this definition is comprised of a potent set of words. There exists inherent physical complexity to terms like “system” and “motion.”

According to the systemic definition of life, within all physical matter there exists life. Certainly, by this definition a lot of things defined as alive have little utility to contemporary biologists, but let us foster a more accurate perspective of what life actually is. Instead of the view that life was non-existent at one time and then existent at another, life is systems of motion that evolve through time.

In order to understand how a rock is alive in the same way a cat is, one must adopt the correct perspective of scale and relative time. Furthermore, see things for what they are. A friend once asked me, “So are you saying a car is alive?” I answered, “The personified car is not alive, but each and every part of the car is made up of atoms which are as “alive” as the atoms in your body. Given relative time, and from the correct perspective of scale, the life of that matter as a system in motion can be observed.”

This argument is important because scientific query is founded upon philosophy. A systemic view of life respects the laws of physics, chemistry, and biology. They are in turn combined into a working tool that is applicable beyond established biology. In other words, the methodologies used within these disciplines can be applied to systems not traditionally considered alive.