Evolution - Part 9

Tumaini and Akili found Kusudi at the coffee shop by his house.  This was Kusudi's favorite spot to visit after a busy day at the office.  They all sat down and Akili began to explain.

Akili observed that their mathematical model was beginning to exhibit true biological characteristics, including strong "survival of the fittest" tendencies.  The model was beginning to be very good at identifying businesses and assets that were weak and those that were strong and, unintendedly, the model was selecting winners and losers.  

The bad part was that, the model, if left unattended, would accelerate the move of resources from the weak to the strong until only one was left standing.   Unfortunately, as the weak and mediocre businesses fail and asset classes become worthless, a lot of havoc and despair is left behind.  

People and families without jobs and no way to support themselves, leading to hunger, violence, disease, despair, and, eventually, death.  These communities would be decimated and left without the energy or the will to continue.  Akili explained that she is beginning to see this trend play out in some small towns in the south were they have been testing their current model.

Akili concluded that their current model, if left unattended, would concentrate wealth and resources in the hands of the few.  She reminded them that if their strategy was to let this play out, with them as one of the winners at the end, there could be no time to begin a systematic redistribution of wealth and the rebuilding of a better world.  The hardship and the chaos created in the process could create a situation from which they are unable to recover.

The three of them agreed that this was not an acceptable scenario, so they ordered another round of cappuccinos, and set out to work on potential solutions. 

After a few hours as the sun was setting, Tumaini decided to go back to the park to discuss all this with Hekima and to seek his advice.  

Once at the park, he sat down by his favorite tree and put his hand on the trunk.  He knew the plants knew he was preoccupied and worried.  He knew it because of how their branches flexed, unmoved by the wind.  He also noticed that the wind coming in from the ocean was subtly changing temperature, humidity and speed.  He remembered how Hekima had told him that even events caused by non-living elements had a connection with the living world.  Like a ripple on a placid lake or an echo in a cave.  All connected.

He heightened his senses, he knew somethings was beginning to happen but did not know what yet.  So, he closed his eyes to better feel all these inputs and began to explain the situation to the plant collective.

Hekima told Tumaini to not forget about how "altruism" is also built into the biology of the universe.  He explained that all living things exist not only to survive and reproduce on their own but also to make sure all other living things do also.  The ultimate survival of any one being is not possible without a supporting collective. In order for the one to thrive, the many also have to thrive.  

Hekima continued by saying that this universal principle is built into the universe, and it works. The plant world had seen this play out for millions of years and now they are a thriving family that spans planets and galaxies.  

Tumaini was beginning to comprehend the magnitude and the complexity of what he was trying to do with his model.  Every time they incorporated new inputs and variables into the model, unintended consequences would creep in.  He now understood how dangerous some of those unintended consequences could be if left unchecked.  He also now understood how identifying and incorporating these and other universal principles into the model was the answer.

 

That night, as Tumaini was going to bed, he was more aware than ever of the flow and the wisdom of the universe.  Knowing this made him happy.

Tumaini woke up early with a smile.  He knew what needed to be done.