Stuart Kauffman: The "adjacent possible" — and how it explains human innovation

The "adjacent possible" — and how it explains human innovation

From the astonishing evolutionary advances of the Cambrian explosion to our present-day computing revolution, the trend of dramatic growth after periods of stability can be explained through the theory of the "adjacent possible," says theoretical biologist Stuart Kauffman. Tracing the arc of human history through the tools and technologies we've invented, he explains the impact human ingenuity has had on the planet -- and calls for a shift towards more protection for all life on Earth.

Human progress, like the Cambrian explosion 540 million years ago, unfolds in sudden bursts after long stretches of little change. The theory of the adjacent possible explains how combining existing things leads to unpredictable new inventions, from primitive stone tools to billions of modern gadgets. This creative force cannot be fully predicted or computed, even using advanced mathematics. Today, the same pattern propels technology and shapes the environmental challenges facing the planet.