WHEELS WITHIN WHEELS

I have noticed what I feel is an interesting phenomena about the way things are structured in our world. Everything in the universe is set up in hierarchies. There is organization from simpler elements to more complex units, made up the simpler elements. What is interesting is that where Life is concerned, each higher level in the hierarchy is a functional and operative information processing and command-giving unit for the levels underneath it.

An example is in order. A cell is an organized collection of molecules, proteins and other substances, which has very directed and purposeful behavior. It processes huge amounts of data in the form of reactions with molecules in its environment, and internally with enzymes and proteins. Based on this data it proceeds with certain actions that are the commands that then get carried out to further its survival. So one could summarize that on the one hand the cell processes information from lower levels in the hierarchy, molecules and proteins, e.g., and integrates vast amounts of data to make simple command decisions, like metabolize some sugar, or do a cell-division (mitosis). This command decision, simple in itself, is then communicated back down to the lower level hierarchy to be carried out. The command level does not need to know exactly how it is accomplished but only needs to decide and command. The lower level hierarchy elements respond and carry out the command.

This is just one example at the level of the cell. Organs, like the kidneys, or the liver, for example, may receive its data from the next lower hierarchy, its cells, as well as from other lower levels such as proteins and molecules. It processes the information and gives simple commands back to its next lower level, the tissue cells which make up the organ. It may then secrete a hormone, or filter a substance, or some such action as a response. So again it is complex information from lower levels on the one hand, and simple commands or actions to lower levels on the other hand.

The only other part the process is of course that information is passed up the hierarchy to the next, or next couple of higher levels.

Many modern theories of physics even discuss how atoms and molecules themselves process information and respond accordingly.

Sometimes the processing ability of units lower down the hierarchy is totally unrecognized, or unappreciated. There may be millions of monitored chemical reactions going on in a cell and in tissues at any given time. Or in the brain, one neuron cell may have thousands of inputs to process on an ongoing basis. It processes this information, integrates it and makes one simple decision: whether to fire on not, i.e. pass the information upline.

And then we come to us. As commander and chief of our bodies, all the complexities of the lower levels are boiled down to very simple communications that we can respond to. Hungry? Bladder full? Tired? These communications may have come from incredibly complex actions, interactions and reactions at the lower hierarchies but the data is simplified to a simple communication to us. On the command side, we can say to our body, ‘extend the arm’. There are millions of complex nerve, molecular and chemical responses involved in actuating this command at the lower hierarchies, but we need not be concerned. We keep it simple and just give the command.

Another interesting example is vision. There are about 13 separate complex systems involved in creating the nerve signals sent to the brain. One just sends the outline of objects, another the contrast, another the color, etc. None of these signals (and the systems involved in each signal is very complex; Engineers look with awe on the processes) by themselves look anything like what we would call our normal vision. They are all integrated in the brain, and what might best be described as a holographic image is created, which we call sight.

So this leaves me wondering what higher hierarchies there might be. Is there some level above us controlling a body. For example, if there were a higher level control point for humans as a race, what might the inputs be to it. What commands might it be giving back to lower levels. Are there any processes going on at the lower level of individual humans that might be co-operating toward a product at a higher level. Well, I feel undoubtedly there are, but lest we slip off into philosophy and religion, I will leave the exercise of figuring out what those activities might be to the reader.

One activity I do find interesting, however, is that we as humans seem to be creating a racial memory and knowledge depot. Yes, I am talking about the Internet. Only started about 15 years ago, it contains by far, way far, more information than has ever been available to the human race. What is fascinating is that spontaneously people started storing information there and they do it for no reward or recompense. They do it as if it was some unknown urge, willingly and happily. We just love putting all known facts, figures, opinions, creative outputs, and virtually anything known to humanity, on the Internet. It seems that our racial soul is dedicated to Information. The increase in amount of information being processed and stored has gone up at a wildly exponential rate. It is truly the Information Age. And I have to admit, I am just a Knowledge Slut.