A Four Subsystem Model

As we learn to understand how the world works we can begin to have hope for a better future.  Consider that there are four main subsystems to the world that we experience.  Each of these subsystems operates through a specific function.  We are created by these subsystems and by our actions we create them.  The future of the world is determined by the choices we make.  Here is how it works. 

As individual organisms we receive stimulus from the world around us and respond.  We seek to be fed, safe and loved.  This is true for every living organism.  It is true for every bacteria, every fungi, every plant and every animal.

Some of the stimuli we receive comes from the energy of the sun and the materials of the earth.  This is true for every living organism.  We all need the warmth of the sun, certain minerals and the wind and the water.

Some of the stimuli we receive comes from the pattern of living things in which we find ourselves.  Every living organism is doing the best it can with the information it has to navigate the pattern.  We move through the pattern to be fed, safe and loved.

The diagram shows the relationships within the pattern we are each trying to navigate to be fed, safe and loved.

Some species gather together with individuals of their kind as a strategy to help each other to be fed, safe and loved.  Birds form flocks, fish form schools, ants form colonies and lions form prides.  Each group is a pattern of communication.  The members of the group communicate about moving through the pattern of living things.  The human ability to communicate is the source of our success in the pattern and the hope for the future of the pattern.

These are the four subsystems that make up the world we experience.  Each subsystem has a different operation.

  • Individual organisms grow and move about according to our DNA.
  • The sun and the earth operate according to the laws of physics.
  • The pattern of living things creates complex carbon based molecules and cycles them through itself.
  • Groups of organisms operate by communicating among the members of the group.
When we learn to distinguish these four subsystems and how they operate, we begin to communicate about the state of the whole.  We begin to see how we individuals depend on the whole to be fed, safe and loved. We begin to work together in groups to contribute to the well being of the pattern of living things.

The next stage of evolution is taking place right now as groups of humans begin to communicate about the cycling of carbon through the pattern of living things.


Comments

  1. LeeMay 8, 2019 at 7:31 AM

    It is empowering to revisit these building blocks of our living system!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David BradenMay 8, 2019 at 10:31 AM

      Thanks for posting Lee. Learning to interact with our environment in a positive way gives up hope for the future. In that way we are empowered.

      Delete

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