Evolution and Creation

Abstract

In this chapter we shall consider evolution as the emergence of new forms of adaptation, from the simplest ones to human creativity. We shall not touch upon real mechanisms of adaptation, which are very varied and complicated. We shall only consider their informational principles. There will be only a scheme, a logical framework of evolution. According to this scheme there are some important moments in this process:

• accumulation and use of energy;

• amplification of physical interaction and rise of informational one;

• rise of memory;

• rise of emotions;

• rise of perception;

• rise of symbols, and logical operations with symbols;

• rise of consciousness;

• rise of human creativity as a higher form of adaptation;

• rise of culture: language, art, science, and other cultural subsystems. Some of these moments will be considered in greater detail below.

«... aufreibende Leistung, sei jedenfalls seine, des Führers und Veranstalters, in welchem der Wille Gehorsam, der Gehorsam Wille werde, dessen Person die Geburtsstätte beider sei, und der es also sehr schwer habe.»

«... Wer wird sich so quälen? Nennst du es Freiheit—diese Vergewaltigung deiner selbst?»

Thomas Mann, Mario und der Zauberer.