After a discussion of the different levels of macromolecules, the phenomenon of life is regarded as a complex polymer system. The thermodynamic basis of general system theory is explained as well as the character of system laws. The important notion of emergent system properties is stressed, and life is explained as a system property of a sufficiently complex system. The general applicability of the systemic approach is pointed out, and some examples are provided. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.