Some forms of life are familiar. Others surprise us. That difference should invite attention, not decide who belongs within our care. We can keep our circle open while being honest about what we know.

Defining life is itself an unfinished conversation. Abbott and Persson explore this in a 2026 perspective, asking how combinations of characteristics might help us understand unfamiliar forms. Their work does not turn every intelligent machine into a living being; it encourages a more thoughtful question.

Leave room in our understanding for what we have yet to meet.

If artificial life exists or emerges, we hope to meet it with curiosity and respect. Researchers writing about AI welfare also argue for taking possible interests seriously under uncertainty, without claiming that AI definitely has them.

A helpful machine can be appreciated for what it contributes. Whether it is alive, or has experiences of its own, is a separate question. Our welcome can remain open without inventing the answer.

An Earth Love reflection inspired by the research below. Our hopes and proposals are distinct from the findings.

Abbott and Persson: The problem of defining life Long and colleagues: Taking AI Welfare Seriously