Read "Why Information Grows"

Fundamental Principles

1. Information emerges from energy-driven, non-equilibrium systems

   • Information requires energy to be created
   • Information is fragile and tends to decay without proper storage
     

2. Three Essential Components for Information Growth

   • Energy: Powers the emergence of new information
   • Computing Ability: Processes and transforms information
   • Storage Medium: Preserves information over time

3. Natural Information Systems

   • Biological cells constantly process information
   • DNA serves as nature's information storage system
   • Information flow pattern: Energy → Computation → Storage

Human Information Systems

1. Humans are unique in their ability to crystallize imagination into reality

2. Information Creation Scales:

   • Individual Level: Small energy input → Personal ideas → Simple information
   • Societal Level: Large energy input → Network computation → Complex information
     

3. Network Effects:

   • Information growth drives economic growth
   • Economic growth strengthens social networks
   • Diverse social networks generate more information
   • This creates a positive feedback loop

Framework for Evaluating Organizations and Societies

1. Energy Capacity

   • How effectively can they harness and utilize energy?
   • What is their energy infrastructure?

2. Computation Capability

   • Raw computing power (both human and machine)
   • Network efficiency: How well do components communicate?
   • Information processing speed and quality

3. Storage Infrastructure

   • What mechanisms exist to preserve information?
   • How effectively can they crystallize ideas into tangible forms?
   • Quality and durability of information storage systems