A living system, as conceived by Nora Bateson, is an intricately woven tapestry of interdependencies, relationships, and dynamic processes that perpetually adapt and evolve. Each constituent of the system, from the smallest cellular mechanisms to complex human networks, is inextricably linked through flows of information, energy, and matter. These systems are characterized by their capacity for self-organization, resilience, and the continuous negotiation of meaning. They are not isolated entities but are defined by their interactions within larger ecosystems. Living systems embody the principle of mutual causality, where the whole is perpetually informed by, and in turn informs, its parts. In this view, understanding the nature of living systems necessitates an appreciation for their fluidity and the rich tapestry of relationships that sustain them.

See also: complexity, life, relationship, systems thinking, ecology