I. The Universal Code 2,3 is embedded in our genetic system and in the I Ching
Starting from 1994, I have been fascinated by the intrinsic connection between the thousands-year-old I Ching (Book of Changes) and the human genetic coding system. Why does our human genetic system share the same number (i.e. 64) with the I Ching? Is it mere coincidence or else?
What I learned is that the combination of binary (2) and ternary (3) is the key. The I Ching
is based on two elements: Yin and Yang. The eight trines are the result
of randomly stacking these two (2) elements as three (3) in a group.
Combining the eight trines on top of each other produces 64 different
hexagrams (kua) which are tools for divinatory consultation.
On
the other hand, our genetic system is also based on binary (2) elements
– the two strains of the DNA double helix (a yin-yang combination) and
the two pairs of nucleotide bases: Adenine
(A) and Thymine (T), Cytosine(C) and Guanine (G). The two DNA strains
entail sequences made of triplets (tri-nucleotide) (3) of A, T, C and
G, which serve as templates for the transcription of genetic message to
RNA. Sequentially, each transcribed triplet (3) in RNA codes for a
single amino acid which is the building block of proteins. In the
configuration of the double helix, A and T are joined through two (2)
hydrogen bonds, whereas C and G share three (3). A always pairs with T,
and C always with G.
II. 64 has also been found in other systems
In
Hinduism, the Lord Shiva has 64 forms or manifestations. There are many
other examples. However, I am not going to make a list here because it
is beyond the scope of this article.
III. Integrating the Universal Code in oil on canvas
Beginning in 2003, I have played with some of the above thoughts on canvas.
In the “Grand Unified Field,” there is this dancing DNA double helix which entails the A and T, C and G pairing. The I Ching ring (64 kuas) encircles the human genetic codes (64). And, next to the quantum meson octet is the I Ching “ba kua” (the eight trines). (see The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra)
The “Humankind: Change, the Only Constant” divides the I Ching
ring into two which encircles the 64 tri-nucleotides of the genetic
system. There are four pairs (2) of different figures that are
connected by the two (2) strains of DNA in this triptych (3).
In
“Galaxy General Relativity,” the divided apple (2), or time and space
(2), and the three elements (3) in the equation of Einstein’s General
Relativity.
In
the “Big Bang” series, the Yin and the Yang (2) are transformed and
rearranged, in the company of the 64 (tri-nucleotide) genetic codes (3).
IV. The simplest universal Turing Machine is proved
In
October, 2007, Stephen Wolfram published his article “The Prize Is Won;
The Simplest Universal Turing Machine Is Proved” and announced the news
about Alex Smith’s discovery in his 40-page proof. The conclusion was:
the 2, 3 Turing machine is universal. It is the simplest combination
for the computational universe.
Quote: “Here it is. Just two states and three colors. And able to do any computation that can be done.”
Nevertheless,
our own genetic system has this universal code which has been doing the
universal computation since life started on Earth. And the Yin and Yang
(two states) and the Yin/Yang trines (three colors) in I Ching
are the best match to this Universal Code. In other words, the Chinese
discovered this Universal Code more than three thousand years ago.
Compass, gunpowder, paper and printing are the four most famous
inventions attributed to ancient Chinese civilization. However, the
discovery of this Universal Code might have much deeper meaning in a
highly computational world like ours.
As
some people have predicted, knowing that 2, 3 Turing Machine is
universal in the computational universe, we can develop or search for
this Universal Code from any materials, such as quantum or nano
particles, and build computers or any computational devices. The DNA
computers are nonetheless one of the best examples.
~~~~~~~~~
[The first draft was organized in December, 2007.
It was released during the press conference and the reception
for Zeng's Art Exhibition at Stanford University, on March 12, 2008.
Several major newspapers, including the World Journal, The China Press,
and Singdao Daily, have reported news related to this article.]
For Chinese, please click: http://blog.sina.com.cn/b000088
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