12 Self and the Phenomenon of Life
b2726 Self and the Phenomenon of Life: A Biologist Examines Life from Molecules to Humanity “9x6”self-referential, recursive function (non-repetitive cyclical changes),
leading to the perpetuation (preservation, reproduction, adaptation,
evolution) of the very same system.
A shorter version would be: Life is a self-assembled auto-
regulatory system capable of perpetuating that same system. A much
simpler and more common sense definition would be: Life is a natural
occurrence that expresses a self. Note that the meaning of “self” as
expounded in the introductory chapter embodies all the features dis-
cussed above.
Figure 2.2 shows a newly hatched chick expressing a strong sense
of self, while Figure 2.3 portrays a machine seeming to be alive when
it really is not. A robot may be programmed to repair itself, to avoid or
overcome obstacles, to solve problems, and even to make more robots
of its kind, but it lacks spontaneity, among other things. It does not mine
the metals to make its hardware, nor does it write the initial program to
start its fake “life”. Worst of all, it does not procure its own energy. As
soon as the electric cord is unplugged, it goes kaput!
So, simply put, if it has self, it is alive.
Fig. 2.2. Strong expression of self: hungry chick begging for food. [Permission Bruce
Lyon.]