Natural selection Quote by Yuval Noah Harari
““1.Organisms are algorithms. Every animal – including Homo sapiens – is an assemblage of organic algorithms shaped by natural selection over millions of years of evolution. 2.Algorithmic calculations are not affected by the materials from which the calculator is built. Whether an abacus is made of wood, iron or plastic, two beads plus two beads equals four beads. 3.Hence there is no reason to think that organic algorithms can do things that non-organic algorithms will never be able to replicate or surpass. As long as the calculations remain valid, what does it matter whether the algorithms are manifested in carbon or silicon?””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Homo Deus, 2015
Organic and non‑organic algorithms follow the same logical rules, so the substrate (carbon or silicon) doesn’t limit computational validity.
In simple terms: Both living and machine calculations work the same way regardless of material.
Key Takeaway
Focus on algorithmic function, not the material it runs on.
Themes
technology
biology
philosophy
Mood
analytical
neutral
Type
academic
informative
When to use this quote
- AI development
- bio‑informatics
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
computational theory
evolutionary biology
Questions to Reflect On
- How should society treat AI that mimics organic cognition?
- What limits exist for algorithmic replication of life?
A Different Perspective
Ethical concerns arise when equating living processes with machines.
