Existing

<p>One way in which we exist to others is simply how we present ourselves. The way we talk. The way we dress. The way we treat others. </p>

<p>But another way in which we exist is eternal. Or "we," as in our constituent parts. Matter is neither created nor destroyed. </p>

<p>Having inundated myself in biology for the past week, I have developed an appreciation for what complex beings we are. We are composed of elements - oxygen being the most abundant (by mass). These elements join, forming monomers, such as nucleic acids. Nucleic acids join through condensation reactions, forming our genetic code. </p>

<p>Our constituent parts work synergistically to create whom we are. Our parts allow us to experience both the physical, and the abstract. The world, and the whole gamut of emotions. People, and the ups and downs. </p>

<p>When we exhaust our stay, we are recycled. Our constituent elements - sulfur, phosphorus, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen (SPONCH) - to name a few - stop working together to create whom we are. These elements, and many more, however, may join and create someone else. These simple elements give rise to another complex, sentient, biological being. </p>

<p>In perceiving others, we not only perceive whom they are, but also whom they will become. I perceive her constituent parts' working together, creating the person I immediately perceive. I also indirectly perceive the constituent parts that have formed former beings, and will form future beings.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>I should have defined “I” as what the elements give rise to. Not the elements themselves. </p>

<p>From there, I suppose I could have marveled at how our parts could give rise to us. </p>

<p>I actually do define “I” as whom we are instead of what we are composed of later in the essay. But that is a fault of mine for not consistently sticking with my original definition.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>I do not always bring out my scanning-electron microscope when looking at others. </p>

<p>Here I am using my original definition of “I” - our constituent parts. I cannot observe the individual elements. But I can observe what they give rise to - the person standing in front of me.</p>