Learn How to Relate and Work with Living Things
“Living Things” is an article designed to enhance our understanding of ourselves as organisms, elucidate our significance, and explore our interactions and connections with other living entities in our world and the universe. It delves into the essence of living things and their importance, including our own roles. This article aims to address these fundamental questions.
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What Are Living Things?
“A living thing pertains to any organism or a life form that possesses or shows the characteristics of life or being alive.” ~ Biology Online.
There are many excellent English definitions for this term, but in this context, living things are the opposite of nonliving things as discussed in the previous article. This is because nonliving things cannot breathe, move, eat, grow, or reproduce; living things can do all these and more. Additionally, living things are composed of cells, whereas nonliving things consist only of elements.
If you are reading this and you are human, then you are a living thing. If you are a robot, then you are a nonliving thing. There are countless examples of living things, including humans and other organisms. This distinction is important when we discuss internal and external relationships.
Internal relationships pertain to the relationship between an individual and themselves, their inner being, and their connection with God or the concept of the supernatural. External relationships, on the other hand, involve interactions between an individual and other humans, as well as between an individual and other organisms, which are, in this context, other living things.
I inhabit a world where a majority of people, about 90%, throw stones at cats and dogs at any given opportunity. It deeply saddens me to witness such cruel acts. It brings to mind the biblical depiction of human nature as inherently sinful. Some individuals even go as far as to hit dogs with their vehicles on purpose as they drive by.
Recently, a dog that had been friendly to me since its birth was killed. I had come to know him through his mother, who seemed to understand my affection for her. Whenever she came to check on him in the grass, my smile would always greet her. This formed a bond with the dog’s family. Whenever I passed by, the young dog would chase after me in greeting or make his presence known.
He truly was my best friend, and I believe he would have defended me if someone else had attacked me in his presence. I never provided him with food or drink, yet his affection was unmistakable. Such living beings possess a profound level of consciousness and awareness. They are sentient, not inanimate. But now, my friend is gone, and although I can touch his teeth, he feels nothing.
What Is the Importance of Living Things?
As illustrated previously, creatures other than humans can be quite friendly and helpful, making them significant to us as well. The dog I encountered was not mine, nor do I know if it had an owner. Nevertheless, we interacted amicably, simply because we are both living organisms, despite our differences.
Living entities are crucial precisely because we are among them. We are living organisms; we exist and have life. Dogs, too, have their own existence, and it’s not only humans that are referred to as beings, contrary to what some educators might assert. Yet, there are times when living things can become detrimental to us, losing their importance or utility.
Microbes like bacteria, viruses, and parasites are all single-celled living organisms. What about worms, insects, plants, birds, animals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles? All are living beings. They can be either very important or very harmful. Not all microbes are adversaries; many reside within your body. Frankly, you serve as a habitat for various living organisms.
Our personal worldviews shape our perception of the importance of everything in this world, including other living creatures and organisms. For me, and for those like me who are introverted empaths, all living things hold great significance. They are living beings that can assist us in various ways.
Even if some creatures are harmful to us, it doesn’t diminish their importance. They remain significant to their Creator, and to our Creator. Whether or not I believe in this Creator, these creatures are evidence of His or Her existence. They are living proof that God exists and created them for His own reasons.
Who are we to judge the worth of these creatures? Do we comprehend the role of a housefly, or the purpose of a mosquito? Ignorance blinds us to the value of these small beings. Despite their potential to cause illness and death, they have a role in the ecosystem. Investigate this perspective for yourself, and you’ll be surprised. Nothing on Earth exists without purpose.
Thus, both living and nonliving things have a definitive purpose, contributing to their ultimate roles and significance on Earth. My lack of understanding does not measure their importance; they are inherently significant. They occupy their own spaces and serve their purposes on this planet.
How Do You Relate with Living Things?
Indeed, as previously mentioned, these creatures are beings, just like you and I. They are living organisms capable of breathing, moving, crying, growing, eating, and reproducing. Similarly, we humans eat, move, grow, and reproduce; otherwise, neither you nor I would be here today, writing and reading these articles.
Our relationship with other living entities is profound and essential. But what is the nature of this relationship? We connect with them physically, and sometimes mentally and emotionally, because many living things exhibit emotions as they adapt to or react to their environment and the events within it.
Now, consider how you personally relate to other creatures. This question is directed both at you and at me. Our responses may vary depending on whether we hold individualistic or collectivistic worldviews. An article on this website discusses these perspectives, which essentially differentiate between finding meaning individually or as a group.
I embody both individualistic and collectivist traits. This stems from my upbringing in a village where collective thought, speech, and action were directed towards the welfare of the family, clan, or tribe. However, exposure to Western literature, which often champions individualism, has led me to appreciate the philosophy that one’s life is their own.
From a collectivist perspective, I exist for others, for you. Yet, does this extend to all living beings, regardless of their nature? My individualistic stance allows me to lead a life defined by personal choice, granting me the liberty to reject familial or tribal beliefs that I find superstitious or obsolete.
Nonetheless, irrespective of our inclination towards individualism or collectivism, we inevitably interact with other life forms in myriad ways, some beyond our current understanding. Taking time to reflect on these interactions can enrich our lives in profound ways.
How Do You Work with Living Things?
Indeed, the nature of work in question is crucial. Generally, we may either utilize living organisms or collaborate with them. Reflecting on my early life in the 1990s, I often went hunting accompanied by my dogs. They were not only companions but also instrumental in tracking and capturing game for food. We worked in unison, a team in true essence.
To work ‘with’ and to ‘use’ are distinct concepts in this context. Here, we emphasize collaboration with living beings, encompassing all forms of life, from microbes, worms, insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, plants, birds, to mammals.
Considering how to collaborate with living entities as partners, they could be human or otherwise. This perspective invites you to contemplate unique methods of partnership with these organisms. When working with animals, it’s about understanding and fostering teamwork.
From ancient times to the present, hunting with dogs remains a common practice. People continue to till the land using oxen, and many other tasks are accomplished with the aid of animals, side by side with humans. In this regard, it can be said that there is a partnership at work. While humans may be utilizing these animals, both parties strive towards a common objective, thus collaborating.
In various capacities, I collaborate with humans, both individually and collectively. Similarly, I interact with other animals in my own unique ways. For instance, I have a fondness for dogs and cats and have developed my own distinctive methods of communication with them, which might seem odd or even inconceivable to many due to their backgrounds or inherent dispositions.
Summary
To summarize, this article has provided insights into the nature of living organisms, their significance to us both individually and collectively, and how we can engage with them as partners in life. It has also explored the varied perspectives individuals hold due to factors such as nature and nurture.
I hope you have found this article beneficial. If so, I would appreciate your feedback in the comments section below. Are you already in tune with other creatures? What new information have you gleaned from this article? May the end of 2022 bring peace and harmony to you and your loved ones. This is my heartfelt wish for you. Shalom!
Further Readings
- Living Things | Science Song for Kids – YouTube.
- Living things – Definition and Examples – Biology Online.
- Characteristics of Living Things – Curriculum.