Nonliving Things: What They Are and Their Importance for Personal Development

Learn How to Work and Relate with Nonliving Things Today!

“Nonliving Things” is an article designed to elucidate the concept of nonliving things, their significance, and our interaction with them. It aims to demonstrate our reliance on nonliving things, akin to our dependence on one another. The article seeks to clarify the definition and role of nonliving things in our lives. What exactly constitutes nonliving things?

What Are Nonliving Things?

Many English dictionaries attempt to define the term “nonliving,” but I propose defining it as something that is lifeless, like an object or a stone, for instance. Anything incapable of movement, consumption, reproduction, or growth is considered nonliving. However, should lifeless objects be deemed nonliving? Are stones, wood, and sand as inert as we believe?

My responses to these seemingly foolish questions may surprise you, but I’ll keep it straightforward. In our conventional human understanding, these indeed serve as prime examples of nonliving entities, according to our knowledge and comprehension. I choose not to contest this, as it would only complicate matters.

For the moment, within our current level of understanding, let’s agree or assume that the aforementioned definition is sufficient and accurate. Our physical bodies will be categorized as nonliving the moment life departs from us, which could occur at any moment, possibly even before I manage to publish this article.

But here’s an odd and incredible fact: nonliving things are composed of the same elements as you and me in every known aspect. We are all made of atoms, right? Yet, possessing some form of consciousness signifies life, thereby disqualifying one from being a nonliving entity. I trust you grasp my point, leading to the next topic of this article: the significance of nonliving things.

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Why Are Nonliving Things Important?

It all depends on the type of nonliving things we’re discussing. Some nonliving things hold great importance for us, as well as for animals. Generally, all nonliving things have their significance, whether for humans or other creatures. If they’re not useful as food, they may serve purposes in locomotion, habitation, or concealment.

Most living things reside within nonliving things. Caves served as homes in ancient times before humans learned to construct their own shelters, highlighting their importance. Similarly, mountains, mounds, and bodies of water provide habitats for various living entities like worms, insects, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other animals.

Water, though not a living entity, is crucial for our survival, not just for fish and other aquatic organisms. It houses numerous life forms, including microbes, which can be either beneficial or detrimental to us when we encounter them.

How Do You Work with Nonliving Things?

This depends on the nonliving things in question. We interact with numerous nonliving things daily. My computer, for instance, is not alive, yet it behaves as if it possesses a brain, as if it can think. However, by the definition of life, it is considered an inanimate object.

I’ve provided a prime example with the computer on how we utilize nonliving things. Are there other examples? Certainly, there are many. But should we refer to these interactions as ‘working with’ or ‘using’ them? I use these terms deliberately because nonliving things are integral and significant. They are a part of our world and, in a sense, a part of us.

Consider my spectacles; they are not alive, but I wouldn’t say I’m ‘working with’ them when I use them, would I? Actually, I would argue that I am, as I owe them gratitude after a long day. They are, in a way, my partners. This perspective is personal, but it resonates with others who share this view.

Indeed, we do work with nonliving things. My phone, for example, serves me well. It’s not alive, but it’s a reliable companion. Thus, it’s fair to say I work with it. I rely on technology and its tools for living, learning, teaching, and providing services. I make a living through technologies like banking systems, as I get paid for the services I render.

Whether I’m publishing a book on Amazon or creating a website for a business, people often use technology to compensate me for my services, such as PayPal or Payoneer. When I translate or interpret, the payment is also made through technological means, varying with the client’s location globally.

Boosting posts, fan pages, websites, generating likes, followers, or sales for a Facebook page, all involve clients paying me through technology. Even when I install, update, or upgrade software, the payment is processed using technological platforms. Indeed, even direct bank deposits involve technology, not just e-Banking.

Thus, if I earn my living through technology, it means technology is working for and with me. When I use technology for learning—watching videos, reading blog posts, taking online courses, or engaging in live chats with teachers—I am collaborating with technology. Similarly, when I use technology to teach or share information, technology and I are partners in that endeavor. This is how I integrate technology into my service delivery.

How Do You Relate with Nonliving Things?

In essence, what similarities do we share with inanimate objects? This topic was touched upon earlier in the article, focusing on our physical composition and properties. Although we may not relish the idea of having commonalities with these lifeless entities, it appears to be a universally accepted concept. We acknowledged that we are composed of tiny particles known as atoms.

These atoms function identically in both living and nonliving entities, assuming that natural science is as accurate as we believe. All these minuscule particles possess some form of energy and structure, which remains active even in objects deemed lifeless or inert. Atoms consist of protons, electrons, and neutrons, and all these components synergistically contribute to an atom’s stability.

Is it possible to consider that we originated from inanimate matter and that we will eventually return to it? Could there be a connection between us and lifeless elements like stones or soil? Contemplate this for a moment. My parents consumed food, which was transformed into hormones, then into cells, and at the precise moment, these cells formed my initial single cell, containing all my genetic information.

It’s fascinating to consider that I began as an inanimate object. Thus, I was, I am, and I will once again become soil, regardless of the burial method chosen. Even the most ornate coffins will decay and merge with the soil eventually. We are meant to return to the earth because that is our essence. We are merely dust, and yet, this dust holds great significance to us, even as living entities.

As an introverted empath, I sense a connection with many things. But is it just me, or is it a natural principle that everything is interconnected? Aren’t we bound to inanimate objects by unseen ties? Is our understanding limited to what our five senses can perceive? These are intriguing questions to ponder. It appears that we are inextricably linked to everything in the universe, whether or not this aligns with my personal beliefs.

Summary

In summary, this article has enlightened us on numerous aspects of nonliving things, their significance to us, and our interactions with them, both individually and collectively. Our perspective of the world is shaped by two principal factors: nature and nurture. These elements define our essence.

Owing to the influences of my nature and nurture, I perceive nonliving things to be just as vital as living things because they are an integral part of our existence, and we are interconnected with them in various ways. Our relationship with nonliving things is multifaceted. They are indispensable to us, the living beings.

I trust this article has been informative and beneficial to you. If it has, I would be delighted to receive your feedback in the comments section below. Shalom!

Further Readings

• Non-living thing – Biology Online.
• Characteristics of Living and Nonliving Things – byjus.com
• Living and Nonliving Things for Kids – YouTube.