Introduction: Have you ever thought that there might be wonderful connections between seemingly unrelated fields? How did the physics giant Maxwell draw inspiration from fluid mechanics to eventually establish the theory of electromagnetic fields? How did John Holland, the 'father of genetic algorithms', glimpse the secrets of scientific innovation? Today, let us embark on this cross-temporal journey of thought, exploring the power of metaphor and envisioning a future where everything has meaning.
Metaphor: The Engine of Scientific Innovation
John Holland profoundly reveals the important role of metaphor in scientific innovation in his works (Emergence) and (Hidden Order). He believes that scientific progress often relies on transforming the laws and mechanisms of known fields into new unknown fields through metaphor.
A classic example is Maxwell's groundbreaking research on the electromagnetic field. He did not directly study the electromagnetic phenomena themselves but cleverly metaphorized them as an invisible fluid. By borrowing the principles of fluid mechanics, he successfully constructed a unified theory of the electromagnetic field, integrating electricity and magnetism, laying the foundation for modern physics.
From Bitcoin to the Value Internet
Holland's insights inspire us to apply this metaphorical way of thinking to broader fields. For instance, taking Bitcoin, created by Satoshi Nakamoto, as an example, it is not just a digital currency but a brand new way of expressing value.
If we view the underlying mechanism of Bitcoin as a 'metaphor' rather than a rigid technical framework, we can draw inspiration from it to build a universal value internet. In this network, everything can carry and express meaning and achieve interconnection through meaningful value exchanges.
Wiener Cybernetics: The Bridge of Connectedness
Wiener Cybernetics provides the theoretical foundation for constructing such a value internet. It emphasizes information feedback and self-regulation, suggesting that any system can achieve its goals through the transmission and processing of information. In the value internet, the flow of value and the transmission of information are inseparable, together forming a dynamic, self-regulating system.
Envisioning the Future: Everything Has Meaning
Through the transformation and expansion of 'metaphor', we can break through the limitations of traditional thinking and construct a more flexible and inclusive value system. In this system, value is no longer limited to currency, but can take the form of any meaningful exchange, such as knowledge, skills, emotions, and so on.
Just as Maxwell drew inspiration from fluid mechanics to ultimately reveal the mysteries of the electromagnetic field, we can also gain enlightenment from Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin model to construct a future world where everything has meaning. In this world, every individual and every thing can find its own value and connect with other individuals and things, collectively creating a better future.
Conclusion: Metaphor is the bridge that connects different fields and stimulates innovative thinking. Let us embrace the power of metaphor with an open mind and explore the infinite possibilities of the future together!
