Since life is the antithesis of form, and since that which is somehow formed can be conceptually described, the concept of life cannot be freed from logical imprecision. The essence of life would be denied if one tried to form an exhaustive conceptual definition. In order for conscious life to be fully self-conscious, it would have to do without concepts altogether, for conceptualization inevitably brings on the reign of forms; yet concepts are essential to self-consciousness.

QUESTION: The paradox that self-consciousness both requires concepts and is corrupted by them is worth unpacking — does this imply a limit to any conceptual account of life?

DEFINE: Clarifies the paradox that life is antithetical to form, making exhaustive conceptual definitions of life inherently impossible.

Georg Simmel, on individuality and social…, loc. 1018