What technology is really about is better ways to evolve. That is what we call an 'infinite game.' ... A finite game is played to win, and an infinite game is played to keep playing.

But in fact, when you try to model that on a computer you find that because of the very structure of matter and of the chemical bonds that are the basis of every organism, evolution is not random at all. It will tend to follow certain paths.

The smallest thought could not exist unless the entire universe and the laws of physics were in some way encouraging it.

Changing things from the top down works when things are stable.

In a broad systems sense, an organism's environment is indistinguishable from the organism itself.

Organisms by their design are not made to adapt too far.

But when you are embodied in a location, in a physical plant, in a set of people, and in a common history, that constrains your evolution and your ability to evolve in certain directions.