Modern physics has developed in a direction where we're not at all sure anymore about the nature of reality. The whole premise of the hard sciences is based on the interactions of particles with each other as they move through space and time.
source: Wikimedia Commons
But with the introduction of quantum mechanics we established that elemental particles sometimes behave as matter, and other times as waves or fields. Also we learned that these particles are in a constant state of uncertainty until they are observed. If you're not at all familiar with the "double slit experiment", please take the time to watch this short video:
Double Slit Experiment explained! by Jim Al-Khalili
In short the experiment shows that small particles do behave like waves until they're measured or observed. Quantum mechanics provides us with the best standard model of particles and makes the most precise predictions of any science we've ever known, it really is the most precise description of the material universe we can muster. But it also leads to some very strange conclusions...
This has led to scientists questioning the nature of matter, and therefore the nature of reality. The idea that our universe's basic building blocks are not matter, but pure information is gaining more and more support. Fractals are proof that simple computational mathematics can evolve into the most beautiful and complex structures, provided that the simple computation is done countless times; fractals are the result of infinite simple calculations.
Today I want to combine these two principles; what if we marry the idea of an information based universe with the emergence of complexity from simple beginnings? Some experiments indicate that this might lead to an explanation of nature's extreme diversity and life's extreme complexity. One of the most simple an graphical ways to illustrate this is "Conway's Game of Life".
This "game" is "played" on an infinite board full of squares that can each be in one of two states: dead or alive. A dead square is empty and a life square is filled. Each square has eight neighbors which it can interact with. For this interaction there are four simple rules:
- A life square with fewer than two life neighbors dies
- A life square with two or three life neighbors stays alive
- A life square with more than three life neighbors dies
- A dead square with exactly three life neighbors becomes a life cell
That's it. These are all the rules needed to make the board literally come alive. Depending on where we start placing life cells, the patterns and movements that arise on the board are different. Just watch the amazing results in this video:
epic conway's game of life
That's it really, for today at least. I hope your curiosity is at least kept alive by this post. I know that when I first learned these things, it forced me to really think about our reality and our place in the universe. If you wish to explore more about how computation might eventually lead to the holy grail in science, the much sought after "Theory of Everything", watch this presentation by Stephen Wolfram, titled "Computing a theory of everything":
Computing a theory of everything | Stephen Wolfram
Stay curious, my friends. Take the time to be amazed by the miracle that is your existence!
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