He then combined the most-frequently used word from each cluster to produce a 'minimal' definition: Life is self-reproduction with variation. But, as with Trifonov's definition, the trouble with such a list definition is that you can easily think of numerous counter-examples that don't meet all the so-called essential criteria. Responding with "Defining life is pointless and worthless" would not only make you kind of an asshole, it might also kill the kid's curiosity. While some philosophers don't want a universal definition and many scientists don't really need one, there's a third group of people who do need a definition of life: the general public. Until then, I'd humbly suggest using my 'popular definition': Life is an entity with the ability to adapt to its environment.

Source: Forbes March 30, 2021 01:27 UTC