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Degradation

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"Life therefore appears to be a revolt against the rules of Nature. Life is a paradox …. The most basic rule of inanimate nature is that it tends toward equilibrium which is at the maximum of entropy (i.e. disorder) and the minimum of free energy. Life goes against this trend …..the main characteristic of life is that it tends to decrease its entropy. (builds and maintains structure and order). Life also tends to increase its free energy. Maximum entropy means complete randomness, disorder. Life is made possible by order structure, a pattern, which is the opposite of entropy. This pattern is our chief possession, it was developed over billions of years. The main aim of our individual existence is its conservation and transmission.” WHAT IS LIFE? by Erwin Shrödinger First published in 1944.

planet water

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Life revolts against the fundamental law of Nature for all things to inevitably degrade to maximum disorder, entropy with minimum free energy. Life builds structure and order against the trend and needs to capture and burn energy continually to maintain its form and existence against the ravages of entropy and decay. To survive living things must conserve themselves, transmit their seed to new generations and develop more successful forms in a continuum. Once the chain of transmission is broken, the life form degrades to dust, and ceases to exist, a dangling, fleeting species gone forever. Life is an enigma, a peculiar chemistry, a rebel against the laws of nature fighting for the survival of its disparity to avoid its inevitable degradation, for now. -------------------------- 18 September, 2021 for 'Degradation' - This or That, Vol 7 Poetry Contest (Edward Ibeh)

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Christuraj Alex

Date: 10/9/2021 10:15:00 PM

Great writing. Many points for reflection. Congratulations!

John Anderson
Date: 10/13/2021 11:43:00 AM

Thanks for you kind words. Cheers

Adam Farley

Date: 10/9/2021 12:26:00 PM

Congratulations on a worldly win.

John Anderson
Date: 10/9/2021 2:49:00 PM

Thanks, cheers

Jenna Logan

Date: 10/9/2021 9:44:00 AM

Congratulations on your winning write, John.

John Anderson
Date: 10/9/2021 2:50:00 PM

Thanks very much, Best Wishes

Edward Ibeh

Date: 10/9/2021 8:53:00 AM

Congratulations on your win in my contest with this awesome poem, John:-) Peace and love.

John Anderson
Date: 10/9/2021 2:50:00 PM

WOW, thanks

Joe DiMino

Date: 9/19/2021 4:28:00 PM

Well written; excellent write! Of course, if one adds into the mix, the notion that, life is illusion of consciousness, and intelligent, eternal spirit is behind physical manifestation...then much more we are able to understand, and logically explain.

Joe DiMino
Date: 9/19/2021 5:31:00 PM

Well, as a realist then...how can something be opposed to Nature when obviously in it, and therefore part of it? Just asking.

John Anderson
Date: 9/19/2021 5:17:00 PM

Thanks for your comment. I am a realist and your logic is beyond me. Cheers