Final answer:
The phrase 'Life's self is nourish'd by its proper pith' is a metaphor illustrating that life is sustained by its essential components, akin to how a plant's pith nourishes the plant itself. The metaphor relates to the nurturing aspect of life's processes and the notion of living in harmony with nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "Life's self is nourish'd by its proper pith" can be seen as a metaphor for the essence of life. It encapsulates the idea that life is sustained by what is essential and inherent to it, akin to how the vital fluids of a plant (its pith) nourish the plant itself. This metaphor aligns with the Aristotelian view where living beings, including humans, have souls that facilitate various functions necessary for life such as growth, nutrient exchange, and in the case of humans, the ability to reason.
Eating and the absorption of nutrients are essential to the vitality of all living organisms, allowing for energy release and the creation of new cells. The statement implies a deep-seated reverence for the processes of life and the importance of living in harmony with nature. Therefore, it goes beyond merely referencing a biological process or describing a natural phenomenon but speaks to a need for attuning our actions to support the continuation of life's processes.