This philosophical text explores the ontological definition of a "whole" and the essential role of its boundaries. For a system to be considered a whole, it must possess internal unity and external delimitation. The author highlights the critical balance between the exclusion of external influences and the permeability of borders in both directions. These boundaries are not merely passive lines but must be actively maintained and controlled. While the overall integrity is guaranteed by the "subject" of the whole, individual boundaries may exhibit relative autonomy. A true whole is characterized by its capacity to integrate various sub-units or sub-subjects, incorporating their internal dimensions into a unified structure. However, the inherent permeability of these boundaries poses a risk: the intrusion of alien elements that fail to integrate into the original unity. This phenomenon leads to parasitism, a state where the integrity of the whole is challenged by non-assimilated components. The text thus provides a framework for understanding how complex systems manage their identity and interactions.