3. If the two opposite processes did not balance each other out, everything would eventually be in the same state: for example, if increase did not balance out decrease, everything would keep becoming smaller and smaller (72b).
Does the principle about balance in (3), for instance, necessarily apply to living things? Couldn’t all life simply cease to exist at some point, without returning?
The principle of balance described in statement (3) does not necessarily apply specifically to living things. While balance is a fundamental concept in many natural processes, there are instances in which imbalance can occur and lead to dramatic changes or even the cessation of life.
In the example given in statement (3), if the processes of increase and decrease did not balance each other out, everything would keep decreasing in size indefinitely. While this hypothetical situation applies to general phenomena, it doesn't necessarily mean that it applies universally to all living things.
Living organisms have their own complex systems and processes that enable them to adapt and respond to changes in their environment. It is important to note that the survival, growth, and reproduction of living things depend on a delicate balance of various factors such as energy intake, metabolic processes, homeostasis, and responses to external stimuli.
However, it is possible for life to cease to exist if certain catastrophic events or extreme imbalances occur. For instance, large-scale environmental disturbances, such as natural disasters or significant changes in the Earth's climate, can have severe consequences for living organisms and potentially lead to mass extinctions. Additionally, the aging and eventual death of individuals is a natural part of the life cycle.
So while there is a balance to maintain life in many cases, it is not an absolute principle that guarantees eternal existence. The specific circumstances and factors involved in the balance of life are complex, and external influences can disrupt or terminate life processes.