George:
> The observer's psyche then becomes the constraint of what he can > observe. No computer needed. Just an observer and the Plenitude. The > rest is first person emergent. Yes, this is true. In fact I agree with you. As a matter of practicality, it doesn't matter at all "what is at the bottom". Everything is happening, and anything you want to happen WILL happen. And from your point of view in the game, this may be enough George. Your solution is complete. Now you must work towards finding the key to enlightenment, or whatever, and you've won. But for me - in MY game - I am left holding these pieces of a puzzle... 1. the history of modern science is based on the continuum 2. many important advancements have been achieved using such science 3. but many significant problems loom on the horizon 4. along comes the computer, and the discovery of complexity from simplicity 5. everyone seems to have overlooked the simple discrete, deterministic machines as theories of everything 6. my friend on the net notices that some simple automata are capable of Everything 7. we lie on the verge of unimaginable achievements including: free energy, the elimination of disease and suffering, the solving of many ancient mysteries, establishment of relationships with extraterrestrial intelligences, the engineering of human immortality, etc. I could go on and on. But for me - in my game - the situation is flawless. The timing is perfect for a cultural and scientific revolution to make it all happen... within my lifetime. I would say that it's too good to be true, but I know better. Virtual Reality can easily make all of this happen. It's exactly as I would have designed it! Therefore, I conclude: It's all just a game. A game we can't lose! So... At this time - under these circumstances - within this simulation - it appears that the idea of the minimal cellular automaton is a novel and powerful idea. So I go on playing the game. Putting the pieces together as best as I can. If I ever find a better idea, I'll fight for that! George, I like your idea. Is there any way to study/make use of the Zen non-computer? Where's the mouse & keyboard? How can we explore the plentitude? Joel