Introduction
Life is a beautiful thing. However, the beauty of life is usually analyzed in a few basic physical factors without the incorporation of our basic human form. Socially, the beauty of life is analyzed from a general point of view like human relationships, love, generosity, material enjoyment, magnificent landmarks, the physical human form, and the likes. Little emphasis is based on the scientific beauty of life. Science can effectively explain the beauty of life in many ways than one. Its analysis is also deep and can effectively be used by many people to understand themselves and how they are structured (Coe 12).
The scientific point of view analyses the beginning of life from the evolution point of view and more specifically Darwin’s theory. In the analysis of the beauty of life, this study will undertake four approaches to life. These are replication, metabolism, organic matter, and the brain. These are among the most important facets of human existence and in their absence; life would seize to have its meaning. In the analysis of replication, emphasis will be made on the creation of life for survival and increase in number. The metabolic aspect of life is eminent in all living things. The basic human function cannot be possible without it. The organic component of life defines our composition as human beings. Ultimately, the brain is a very important facet of human life because it defines man’s thoughts. This study will analyze these aspects in detail.
The Beginning of Life
There are many theories as to how life started. Old theories denote that life started as a creation of the work of a supernatural being (God) or a combination of the works of smaller gods. Nonetheless, the scientific theory relating to the beginning of life stems from Darwin’s theory of evolution. It defines life as a product of small genetic changes that have occurred in the past years which define life today (Coe 14). In essence, life started from the mutation of genes. This incorporates small changes, genetic that define our behavior and metabolism.
Mutation has been observed to increase the likelihood of our survival or reduce it. The same can also be observed with other species like mosquitoes which have genetically mutated to develop more drug-resistant strains that enhance their survival. The beauty in genetic mutation lies in the fact that our genes can genetically mutate to increase our survival on the planet concerning environmental changes. This also increases our survival rates on the planet and at the same time, empowers future generations to be well adapted to the environment. The fact that this modification can happen naturally is beautiful because nobody induces it and it works naturally. We are all structured this way (Coe 31).
Another scientific aspect of human life is natural selection, whereby species that fit better into the environment survive, while those that can’t cope with the environment die (Coe 56). The natural selection shows the beauty of suitability of certain earth species with the environment which makes life easier to live. Species that can survive therefore multiply and dominate the earth. This attribute is however not unique to humans because other animal species have been able to survive and multiply as well. Animals that can’t cope with the environment as can be witnessed with the extinction of dinosaurs die off; thereby leaving the adaptable animals to live. Nonetheless, what makes human life beautiful and unique to other species it’s the ability to think.
Brain
The main function of the brain is to ensure body homeostasis (Duvernoy 23). In this regard, the brain maintains various aspects of the body’s physiological parameters. Some of the main functions of the brain revolve around the maintenance of oxygen, glucose, water, and salt levels. Other functions involve the regulation of body temperature and other physiological parameters (Duvernoy 25).
When one of the physiological parameters is imbalanced, we often feel irritated and discomfort as a symptom. The body naturally adapts to this situation and initiates certain body actions that correct the situation. For instance, when the oxygen levels are low, we often breathe faster, stop exercising or move to places with fresh air. These are all actions that are initiated by our brain. When water levels drop in our body, we feel thirsty and drink water to remedy the situation; when the glucose levels are lower than normal, we often feel hungry and look for sweet food; when our body temperatures fall, we feel cold and often wear something warm; when we are in any form of threat we take the necessary action to avoid it (Duvernoy 25).
All these functions are naturally initiated by the brain and they happen subconsciously. It is amazing how the brain can work through all these functions, sometimes at the same time, without our knowledge. This, therefore, means that there is a self-check system within us that takes care of functions we are not aware of. In essence, if the brain was not able to perform these functions naturally, life would cease to have its beautiful meaning. Life would be tedious and almost impossible to live. However, most of us don’t realize the beauty of the brain in carrying out these functions.
The other aspect of the brain is the ability to think. Most animal species cannot think the same way human beings do. This is what differentiates animals from humans and gives man dominion over animals and plants. Thinking is a natural neural activity that maintains homeostasis (Duvernoy 26). When the two clash, we usually say a person is insane. Thinking however works with the correlate of input data from the eyes, nose, and ears. From this input, we can therefore be able to create things or come up with ideas that make us a unique species.
Metabolism
Metabolism is an important aspect of human existence that enables us to carry our day-to-day functions with ease. Metabolism happens in our human cell composition. Through metabolism, we can generate energy that we use in our day-to-day activities. Human metabolism is specially designed such that we can increase or decrease our metabolism automatically without any physical change. If our energy needs increase, so does our metabolic rate (Gropper 34).
In addition, metabolism is synchronized with the function of generating heat for our bodies; such that, metabolism maintains the body temperature. This is like a powerhouse in the human anatomy that can process basic food components and oxygen for the production of heat and energy (Gropper 38). Special cells like the mitochondria are enabled to carry out this function effectively. The cells are also structurally modified to receive oxygen and food supply directly from the blood. This function is, to say the least, magnificent and goes beyond the human imagination. Metabolism is therefore important because it facilitates our normal body functions like energy needs. This is however an unseen beauty that lies within us and is taken for granted by most people.
Replication
Replication is important for human survival. In this way, we can multiply and ensure the survival of the human species on the planet. However, this feature is not unique to humans because other animals can undertake the same function. However, human beings are the only species that have been able to relate this function to procreation (Rose 62).
Nonetheless, the female and male forms are empowered to carry out this function effectively. Males have the sperm and the females have the ovum which when fused, leads to the creation of life. This is an important feature and beautiful to its form because the sperm and the ovum are composed of chromosomes that are genetically tailored to give rise to another human (Rose 62).
The genetic composition of these two components (sperm and ovum) bears all the human attributes a person needs in life including physical features like height, skin color, sex, and the like. The chromosomes also bear the X and Y chromosomes which, depending on the combination, determine the sex of a baby. The X chromosome denotes the female sex while the male chromosome is denoted by the Y chromosome. This fusion occurs naturally to give rise to a human being who later grows in the mother’s womb for 9 months after which it is ready to come into the world. This is a beautiful phenomenon; in that, the male sperm can be able to genetically fuse with the female ova to determine the sex of the baby and even other physical features which ultimately make life beautiful.
Organic Component
All forms of life on earth are made up of organic materials which are beautiful components of human life. The organic component of plant matter, for example, has made man obtain manure which is important in agriculture. The organic component of life is the ability of matter to naturally disintegrate. Organic chemistry for example has improved the quality of human life especially in the scientific development of energy sources (Hansell 49).
Oil which is a basic component of life in the 21st century is primarily based on the ability of matter to organically decompose. Oil is formed out of the decay of organic matter that can be dated back to past centuries. The decay of organic matter has also led to the production of carbon and biogas. These are also important energy sources that define our lives today. Organic matter, therefore, remains an important component in today’s life because most of the basic human activities are facilitated by the ability of matter to organically decompose. Many factors that define the outward beauty of life; like the ability to take a plane ride from one city to another or the lighting of gas for domestic cooking are all facilitated by oil which is obtained from the biological decomposition of matter.
Conclusion
Life is beautiful in many ways than one. Science shows the inner beauty of life which most people tend to overlook. Basic human functions are facilitated by basic functional features within us that make life easy. Beauty lies in the fact that these functions happen naturally and are adapted to their roles without any artificial modification.
The ability to replicate ensures our survival on the planet as well as our ability to multiply. The brain is the basic organ that carries out several homeostatic functions which without it, life would cease to be beautiful. Organic matter facilitates many human activities which make life easier and metabolism enables us to have the energy we need in addition to maintaining certain human functions. Life is therefore beautiful in ways that are unseen to the human eye. However, acknowledgment of our inner human beauty will enable us to appreciate life more and at the same time, motivate us to take care of ourselves better.
Works Cited
Coe, Mary E. The Beauty of Life. New York: Lulu, 2009.
Duvernoy, Henri M. The Human Brain: Surface, Three-Dimensional Sectional Anatomy With MRI, And Blood Supply. New York: Springer, 1999.
Gropper, Sareen S. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. California: Cengage Learning, 2008.
Hansell, Dennis A. Biogeochemistry Of Marine Dissolved Organic Matter. London: Academic Press, 2002.
Rose, Michael R. The Long Tomorrow: How Advances In Evolutionary Biology Can Help Us Postpone Aging. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.