"A living thing is distinguished from a dead thing by the multiplicity of the changes at any moment taking place in it"

This quote by Herbert Spencer is describing the idea that life is characterized by consistent change. A living thing is constantly developing and adjusting to its environment, whereas a dead thing is static and constant. This idea is supported by the reality that living things are made up of various parts that are constantly in movement and communicating with each other. For instance, a living organism is made up of cells that are constantly dividing, growing, and altering. Additionally, living things are constantly taking in energy from their environment and utilizing it to fuel their activities. This energy is then used to create brand-new molecules, proteins, and other compounds that are necessary for the organism to endure. All of these modifications are occurring at the same time, and it is this multiplicity of modifications that distinguishes a living thing from a dead thing.