Autokinesis

/ˌɔːtəʊkɪˈniːsɪs/ noun

Definition

Spontaneous or self-initiated movement; the ability of an organism to move itself without external force.

Etymology

From Greek 'auto-' (self) + 'kinesis' (movement, from 'kinein' meaning to move). A term used in biology and medicine to describe independent motion.

Kelly Says

Bacteria that practice autokinesis—moving themselves in response to light or chemicals—essentially invented the concept of 'free will' millions of years before brains evolved to ponder it.

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