Information Evolution - Natural Selection

[Shaden]

I recently read a fascinating article at this website which addresses the philosophies presented at the end of the video game Metal Gear Solid 2. To tell you the truth I'd never really managed to comprehend what exactly happened at the end of this game - it always seemed way over my head and completely uncomprehendible. Reading this made me aware of exactly how clever Hideo Kojami was in his directing of this masterful game.

I'll get straight to the point - the philosophy presented in the game is that of natural selection but not of natural selection in biology but instead natural selection in information.

It's well worth a read - even if you have never played the game yourself (which I sincerely advise you to do)

P.S I didn't really know where to post this. Since this is a philosophy I thought I would post it here - it seemed the best fit.

Have a very merry christmas!!!

[Michael Chui]

A number of the better Japanese animes and games do this. In FF7 and Neon Evangelion, for instance, there are fairly direct references to the Tree of Life in Kabbalism. There are some rather blatant references to Dharma mythologies in the Zelda series, the easiest being the choice of currency, but also the divine trinity (Courage is Creator; Wisdom is Preserver; Power is Destroyer).

Some people feel that memetic evolution is a terrible way to characterize the spread of ideas; one alternative theory is Diffusions of Innovation.

There's a lot to find, if you look for it.