HANS HASS
AND
HORST LANGE-PROLLIUS
THEOREMS, FUNDAMENTAL LAWS
AND RESUMEES
The Evolution of Energons
Originally published in the book
Die Schöpfung
geht weiter: Station Mensch im Strom des Lebens
(1978)
Translated from the German by Michael Stachowitsch
Theorems, Fundamental Laws and Resumees
Theorems 1 to 5
1
As opposed to all other manifestations of energy, i.e.
the capacity to do work and the losses incurred during transformations
and when meeting resistance, life is a process whose volume and potency
has steadily increased since its inception ca. 4 billion years ago. The
totality of the material sustaining this development, along with all the
energetic transformations involved, are termed the life flow.
2
A process characterized by increasing potency and volume
can only take place via spatio-temporal structures whose central feature
is to gain and harness more useful energy from the environment than their
overall activity utilizes. Every structure with this capability is termed
an energon. Today and in the future, and in all corners of the universe
– as long as currently valid natural laws remain in effect – such a process
can only take place via energons.
3
Energons include plants, animals, professional entities
and business organizations along with luxury structures. The energon concept
is relative. A structure can prove to be an energon in one environment
but not in another. Each energon is characterized by its fit into the environment,
which gives it the ability to sustain and enhance the life flow.
4
Every life form including human beings and the artificial
structures they create are functional elements of an energetic development.
Humans and other life forms are not the goal behind or reason for this
process, but rather its prerequisite.
I First Fundamental Law
The life process, an energetic development of increasing
volume and potency, can only proceed via structures – the energons – having
a positive energy balance. These are neither the goal behind nor the reason
for this process, but rather the prerequisite; they are not the purpose
but rather the means and the underlying cause. The structure of plant and
animal bodies finds its extension in the professional entities and business
organizations, along with the luxury items, formed by humans.
Theorems 5 to 12
5
If two energons – regardless of their appearance – are
in competition, and if they resemble each other in every manner yet one
is burdened with inoperative elements, then the other will be at an advantage.
6
Every energon is a functional entity, whereby the individual
functional units are the agents that help fulfill necessary functions.
Thus, in every energon – regardless of the number of elements it is composed
of – functions are of primary importance and the functional units themselves
are secondary.
7
It is irrelevant whether the functional units are firmly
attached to the respective energon or not. The crucial criterion is that
they deliver all the functions required of them.
8
The material from which a functional unit is composed
is irrelevant as long as it delivers the required function.
9
The ways and means by which the parts of an energon are
developed are unimportant. Only the result counts: it must prove to be
durable and make the energon competitive.
10
All other capabilities being equal, in the struggle for
an active energy balance, those energons that fulfill their functions by
expending the least energy will gain the upper hand.
11
All other capabilities being equal, precision in fulfilling
function promotes the competitiveness of energons – as long as the required
measure is not exceeded.
12
All other capabilities being equal, the competitively
successful energon will be the one whose performance over time most closely
approximates optimum efficiency. Speed may be the decisive component in
the available arsenal of features, in particular when action and reaction
speeds in the environment are involved, but in other cases may be inconsequential.
II Second Fundamental Law
Energons represent functional entities characterized
by a common arsenal of features that is imperceptible to the senses yet
quantifiable. They consist of functional units whose shape, behavior and
material composition are irrelevant. Equally irrelevant are whether their
components are firmly attached to one another or how they were formed.
Crucial, however, are the costs they entail, the precision with which they
perform their functions, and the speed with which this takes place. The
parameters cost, precision and speed variably influence efficiency and
competitiveness in the phases of buildup, acquisition, inactivity, and
suspension of function.
Theorems 13 to 18
13
The energy source determines the configuration of the
functional units responsible for utilizing that source. In plants this
is sunlight, in animals and humans organic structure, in professional entities
and business organizations the market as the collective term for all current
demand.
14
In order to maintain its structure and guarantee growth
and in order to generate new energons, every energon must gain material
from the environment. The shape and activity of the respective functional
units will be determined, defined and controlled by the material source
being exploited.
15
Every energon serves the life flow, whereby conditions
become imposed that do not necessarily serve that individual energon. One
such condition is that the life flow can only grow when the energons grow
and either reproduce their own kind, produce another type or create luxury
structures. The requisite functional units are controlling elements as
well as elements that implement the control commands. Their spatio-temporal
structure, i.e. their shape and behavior, is determined, defined and controlled
by the task at hand.
16
Energons are subject to a wide range of disruptive and
hostile environmental influences that either selectively or unselectively
threaten their existence and their activities. In order to survive, they
must have functional units that ward off, diminish or neutralize these
influences. The shape and functioning of these elements are determined,
defined and controlled by the configuration of the disturbances and threats
that must be repelled.
17
Energons have the opportunity to transform beneficial
and positive environmental forces into agents that help them reduce their
own efforts or that enable them to perform specialized tasks that would
otherwise be impossible. Additional functional units are almost always
necessary in order to harness such auxiliary capabilities; their development
is determined, defined and controlled by the forces that are to be harnessed.
18
Those energons created by humans take on an environmental
dimension because they are utilized to gain pleasure, happiness and other
comforts. The respective functional units and activities represent luxury
structures that can considerably overstep the capacity of the individual
energon. Their structure is determined, defined and controlled by the innate
and acquired characteristics of human beings along with the accompanying
environmental conditions.
III Third Fundamental Law
All energons exhibit six forms of engagement with the
environment. First, they must appropriate more useful energy than they
use in their totality. A positive energy balance is the basis for their
existence. Second, they must gain substances that are suitable to maintain
and reproduce the energon structure. Third, they must have control mechanisms
of a type that promotes the growth of the energon’s overall volume and
therefore of the life flow. Fourth, they must be able to neutralize disruptive
or hostile environmental influences to the extent that they can no longer
impede the energon’s activity. Fifth, it is advantageous for them to harness
beneficial and positive environmental forces. Sixth, certain energons produce
luxury structures. The configuration and behavior of the functional units
necessary to carry out all these capabilities is determined by the respective
task at hand and by the environmental factors against which they must act.
Theorems 19 to 24
19
Every energon requires functional units that bind all
the subordinate elements to the overall energon either permanently or for
the duration of their use. The structure of these cohesive units is determined,
defined and controlled by the respective features of the elements that
are to be bound, by the energon’s activity, and by the environmental forces
that are to be resisted.
20
In order to perform efficiently, energons require functional
units that coordinate movements and processes. The necessary structure
and activity of these units is determined, defined and controlled by the
task at hand as well as by the features of the processes that must be coordinated.
21
A crucial factor for the energons’ efficiency and competitiveness
is that the various functional units hinder each other as little as possible,
that they mutually simplify their tasks to the extent possible, and that
each functional unit be adapted to the requirements of the overall energon
with regard to costs, precision and speed. Different valuations, preferences
and priorities must be considered if position or movement is involved.
Moreover, this required equilibrium is influenced by the respective environmental
conditions and by newly added functional units. All measures and additional
structures that necessitate adjustment of this equilibrium are determined,
defined and controlled by the overall energon and by the environmental
conditions.
22
Maintaining the functionality of the functional units
is obligatory for every energon. This forces on them a wide range of features
to provide upkeep, to add and to remove, and to maintain order and security.
The structure of these functional maintenance tools is determined, defined
and controlled by the features of the elements that must be maintained
as well as by the forces acting upon them.
23
Energons can only increase the potency and volume of
the life flow when as many of them as possible are equipped with functional
units designed to improve structure and behavior and therefore promote
efficiency and competitiveness. Their form is determined, defined and controlled
by the task at hand and by the energon type in which they are active.
24
Inoperative elements represent a burden for energons,
but can still retain a positive effect on the life flow by providing new
starting-points for further development. The form and function of the units
necessary to remove or utilize them are determined, defined and controlled
by the task at hand as well as by the make-up of the inoperative structure.
IV Fourth Fundamental Law
All energons exhibit six forms of internal engagement.
First, the functional unit must be bound to the overall energon. Second,
certain functional processes must be coordinated with others. Third, each
functional unit must be coordinated with the remaining ones and with the
energon as a whole. Fourth, the functional force of each functional unit
must be maintained. Fifth, structures that promote improvement are necessary.
Sixth, inoperative elements should not be a hindrance. The configuration
and behavior of the functional units necessary to carry out all these capabilities
is determined by the task at hand and by the features of the affected functional
unit.
Theorems 25 to 32
25
The term energate refers to all entities that neither
belong to nor serve the energon. An energate can be directly converted
into a functional unit if an energon incorporates it and makes it into
one. Additional possibilities of generating function are given when a functional
unit gains new capabilities through altered circumstances or when several
functional units combine into a new unit capable of performing a novel
task.
26
New control mechanisms allow functional units to assume
additional and different functions. Structural modifications also permit
multifunctionality. Disadvantages of multifunctionality typically include
reduced performance in the individual functions. The excessive incorporation
of additional functions – functional enhancement – leads to functional
overload, which can negatively influence the energon.
27
New capabilities can arise when a functional unit takes
on a new function that differs from the original one and this new function
becomes the primary one. The economic advantage of such a process is reduced
development costs; the disadvantage, however, is that historical burdens
often hinder the path to the technically optimal solution.
28
Functional overload within the energons hampers the formation
or allocation of auxiliary units, yielding hierarchical structures. A second
relief strategy is to transfer individual functions to new functional units;
this creates increasing differentiation and specialization. A third possibility
is to temporarily or permanently abandon insupportable functions.
29
Whenever the same functional tasks are required at numerous
points of an energon, then functional partnerships or a general concentration
of function in one organ are advantageous. Within the various types of
function, the possibilities and limitations of centralization are dictated
by the size of the respective functional space, the distances that must
be bridged therein, and the available time.
30
In competition among energons, functional improvements
and functional renewals are decisive tools to boost efficiency, i.e. to
achieve tasks with greater precision and effective speed at minimal cost.
31
Internally, the reduction of poorly functioning or inoperative
units within energons meets with resistance that burdens the energons and
their individual development capacity. In reducing a function or totally
eliminating hierarchic auxiliary structures, remaining functional rudiments
can be transferred to other functional units; the latter incorporate these
as enhanced function.
32
Differentiation and specialization involve evolutionary
processes, whereby functional units assume additional functions beyond
the original ones. This can lead to a division of or a change in function,
again yielding functional units with only a single function. The process
then begins anew. The more functional units an energon comprises, the more
auxiliary capabilities are necessary, which themselves effect a bundling
into new organs. In this manner, spiraling evolutionary processes lead
to the fulfillment of ever new functions.
V Fifth Fundamental Law
Functions can only be effected by suitable material
structures, making them into functional units. Some functional units can
perform more than one function, other functions require more than one functional
unit. The evolution of energons and the enhancement of their efficiency
are characterized by expansion, over-burdening, shifts, dispersion, distribution,
concentration, cooperation and reduction, whereby spiral processes can
be distinguished.
Theorems 33 to 40
33
The selection of those energons most capable of increasing
the volume and potency of the life flow takes place automatically via competition
and can be further promoted by evolution-enhancing mechanisms. As life
forms, humans use intelligence to replace natural with purposefully artificial
selection criteria; this considerably accelerates the progressive efficiency
of the energons. Every selection can act on positive or negative features.
Eliminating selection leads to stagnated development.
34
Limiting factors play a key role in the evolution of
energons. Structural elements can temporarily or permanently narrow the
avenues for further development. Improvements must act on the functionally
weakest sites in order to sufficiently boost efficiency and effectively
improve competitiveness.
35
Energons are characterized by polarities in alignment
that generally determine the overall direction of development. Their effective
functional framework is substantially influenced by the energon’s size
and activity radius, by the continuity or discontinuity of the requisite
functions, by the number of functional units, and by the measure of specialization
or versatility necessary for the activity.
36
The evolution of energons relies on the cooperation inherent
in newly formed hierarchical frameworks. Symbiosis and group formation
create ever larger energons. By using force, exchanging capabilities or
entering partnerships, energons can employ the services of other energons.
In professional entities and business organizations, alongside luxury structures,
it is even possible for the functional units of one energon to enter into
a cooperation with other energons or their functional units.
37
Energon development is characterized by conflicting values
that arise from the diverging interests between individuals, species and
evolution as well as from the hierarchical framework. Moreover, in professional
entities and business organizations, the innate and acquired behavior patterns
of humans constitute distinctive values. Above all, these include metaphysical
needs, aesthetic sensibility, morals and customs, as well as the pursuit
of happiness.
38
The interdependencies that arise between energons strive
toward equilibrium conditions. In individual habitats, this yields networks
that become increasingly complex, intransparent and sensitive as the number
of energons per unit surface area increases.
39
Energons can increase their power base by artificially
changing the environmental conditions to their advantage rather than by
adapting to these conditions. The restructuring that results when
such manipulations are directed toward plants, animals and energons created
by humans establishes new interdependencies and redistributes power within
the habitat.
40
The evolution of energons is promoted by epi-phenomena
that usher in new developments and thus gain priority status. Shrinking
populations, isolation, niche formation, character coupling and the temporary
association with artificial functional units lead to secondary effects
and feedback that influence and promote evolution.
VI Sixth Fundamental Law
Symbiosis, group formation, hierarchy and interlinked
cooperative networks yield energons of higher complexity and efficiency.
Guiding factors in this process include the resulting conflicts of value,
limiting factors, polarities in orientation, passive dependencies and active
changes in environmental conditions. Positive or negative, automatic or
directed selection determines the evolutionary course, which is accelerated
by favorable conditions, evolution-enhancing mechanisms and the epi-phenomena
of development.
Résumé A
Current thought holds that biological evolution and cultural
development of humans are fundamentally different processes. Cybernetics
teaches us that information, in addition to material and energy, is the
third fundamental factor in our world. Evolution is considered to take
the direction of increasing complexity: it strives toward structures with
an ever higher information content via subatomic particles, atoms, molecules,
cells and living beings. Researchers must therefore tackle the issue of
how chance could have given rise to such a high degree of purposefulness.
In contrast, the energon theory views the life process
as a special type of energetic phenomenon: a process that increases in
potency and volume rather than seeking equilibrium conditions. Such a progression
can only take place via structures that have clearly definable characters
and features and that are therefore functionally determined. The acquisition
and storage of information is not the goal of this process, but rather
one of its necessary preconditions. Whether chance, intelligence or other
forces give rise to a structure has no influence on its efficiency, which
is dictated by necessity. Accordingly, all life forms can clearly be delimited
from the inorganic realm and encompass human development. The life process
is carried out not solely by the cellular body, but also by structures
that include all the functional units necessary for that process. These
structures are termed energons.
Résumé B
The development of cells began with energons that arose
by the chance contact of energy-laden molecules in the primeval sea. They
were the vehicle for a process that steadily increased in potency and volume.
The nucleotide chains they contained formed the genetic code, which enabled
reproduction and stored information. The shortage of freely available,
energy-laden building blocks in the primeval sea promoted those energons
that were able to successfully synthesize proteins. Energons capable of
harnessing light energy through photosynthesis gave rise to the autotrophic
plants. These enriched the water with excreted oxygen, creating the precondition
for the development of predatory energons, namely animals. Together, predator
and prey mutually determine each others developmental direction through
the causality of control. Another pioneering step was the development of
separate sexes, which allowed genetically stored information to be recombined,
promoting the development of new, more efficient types. The advent of the
cell boosted the evolution of energons into a particularly competitive
unit that displaced all its predecessors along the evolutionary pathway.
Résumé C
Unicells gave rise to multicellular organisms, whose
bodies were almost exclusively constructed from a single cell during reproduction.
Parts of the genetic code in the cells of multicellular organisms are blocked
by regulatory proteins, leading to differentiation for various functions.
Over the course of higher development, the latter shifted from cell-internal
to multicellular functional units, ultimately including the function of
organ formation. Multicellular plants and animals successfully conquered
dry land, a process that required exploiting gases in the atmosphere, protecting
against dessication and dealing with gravity, which is more effective in
air than in water. At the level of human beings, energon development reached
new heights: based on our mental capabilities, we were able to directly
use inorganic material to form functional units that were separate from
our cellular bodies. Through this mechanism, humans form more powerful
energons whose construction plans are no longer anchored in the genetic
code, but rather transmitted and therefore inheritable to other humans
via language and writing.
Résumé D
The uniqueness of humans lies in our greater intelligence,
which is based on the advanced development of our cerebral cortex. This
enables human beings to causally link impressions and experiences that
are widely separated in time and space. It enables us to draw conclusions
from these circumstances, to plan, to theoretically analyze interrelationships,
and to prepare solutions and decisions by simulating practical situations.
Moreover, it enables us to objectively examine ourselves, leading to awareness
of the self. The increased capacity for abstraction and conceptualization,
as well as the ability to couple concepts with phonetic symbols, gave rise
to language. The fear of forces of nature and the issues of birth, life
and death led to metaphysical notions that have largely been refuted by
the natural sciences. The energon theory views humankind not as the current
epitome of evolution, but merely as the most talented and therefore most
effective agent of a physical process. Our intelligence allows us to enlarge
upon our cellular body with artificial functional units. This yields entities
that promote an energetic development of increasing potency and volume.
Résumé E
The artificial organs created by humans have freed evolution
from the constraints of the cell and have opened entirely new possibilities
in boosting the potency and volume of the evolutive process. Artificial
functional units that are not attached to the cellular body have led to
a third phase of development – after the evolution of unicellular and multicellular
organisms – termed hypercellular organisms; these have given rise to energons
with an entirely different appearance. The artificial organs have the advantage
of being removable, exchangeable and useable by several energons. They
need not be produced by the respective energon, can be composed of any
number of different materials, and their development need not be financed
by that energon. They are also less burdened by the history of their development.
They need not be operated with the body’s own energy. Giant communal organs
become possible. They need not be maintained, controlled or repaired by
the energon and enable reproduction outside the intra-specific context.
Progress made by one type of energon can prove beneficial to the development
of others, promoting individual transformation. They considerably expand
our sensory capabilities, wipe out any size restrictions on energons and
enable an unfettered transfer of energy and material. They accumulate capital,
incorporate other energons into one’s own capable entity, and create any
number of luxury structures. Should they lose their functionality, they
can be discarded or eliminated.
Résumé F
After the evolution of uni- and multicellular organisms,
humans have appropriated energon formation by consciously creating artificial
organs. The behavior of the constructing and controlling human nucleus
is determined by drives having innate and learned components; these reinforce
and collide with one another and are in constant struggle with our intellect.
They are rooted in innate, hereditary factors and can be arranged into
main categories of drives involving nourishment, security, curiosity, sex,
brood care, community, aggression, display, beauty, imitation, order, and
ownership. They determine the plans, the resolve and the decisions of humans
and therefore the direction of their energon formation. The capacity –
rooted in self-awareness – to differentiate between pleasure and pain becomes
the driving force. Controls with a mechanism similar to that in our drives
can also arise through customs and traditions. Human intelligence, influenced
and directed by these forces, enables the life flow to snowball in potency
and volume. This suggests that this energetic process is headed toward
global self-destruction.
Résumé G
Adding artificial organs to the human cellular body creates
energons of increased efficiency, namely professional entities and business
organizations, which form additional luxury structures. The predatory form
of energy gain is initially retained yet considerably amplified through
artificial changes to the environment, for example farming and livestock
production. The fundamental unit in group formation is the genetically
dictated partnership of the family. The increasingly differentiated division
of labor gives rise to a form of business that involves exchange, with
money becoming the universal mediator. The functional units of the resulting
business organizations are professional entities. Technical progress that
harnesses natural forces with machines and processes further increases
and accelerates this development. The universal mediator here is electricity.
The interests of humans become secondary in energons of ever expanding
potency and volume: they can be exchanged and replaced. The artificial
functional units – the artificial organs – determine the common task with
which all states are entrusted, namely guaranteeing protection against
outside forces and maintaining internal order. Crucial conflicts of interest
between humans, their energons and the various forms of state characterize
the third phase of evolution, in which power, empowerment and ownership
are at the center of controversy.