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In his influential book, *Nexus*, Yuval Noah Harari presents a thought-provoking formula:
Information > Truth > Wisdom/Power
He later refines it, suggesting that information leads to truth or order, and ultimately to wisdom and power:
Information > Truth/Order > Wisdom/Power
This framework, while compelling, doesn’t fully capture the complexity of how information works in shaping our lives, societies, and decisions. While Harari’s model emphasizes truth as the intermediary between information and wisdom, I believe it misses a key point: information isn’t simply a tool for truth, whether real or falsified. It’s a tool for persuasion, with the ultimate driver being purpose—rather than just wisdom or power.
Harari touches on this when discussing the role of stories. He argues that stories are fundamentally about connection, bringing people together to share common ideas and values. However, I would argue that the primary function of stories is not connection, but influence. Stories—whether true, false (lies or propaganda), or fantastical (myths, folklore)—are about shaping our perceptions and guiding our actions. They persuade us to act in certain ways and are driven by a purpose, often survival or social cohesion.
Take, for instance, a primitive tribe hunting bison. The tribe must be persuaded to go on the hunt (“let’s go hunt”) for survival, which is the purpose. They must also be influenced—perhaps through stories or social pressure—that the hunt is essential for their wellbeing and success (“you’ll be celebrated by the tribe”). The stories told before the hunt create a narrative that aligns with the tribe’s values and reinforces the importance of their shared purpose. This applies to all human action—whether in the form of practical endeavors or the grand stories we tell ourselves about life.
Harari’s model focuses on human connection through information. However, I believe information, at its core, is not just about connecting people—it’s about connecting all things. Information shapes the relationship between animals, weather patterns, and even natural forces. Take the moon, for example. Its gravitational influence persuades the tides, serving a purpose (to maintain the balance of oceanic systems) and influencing the cycle of the environment. It’s not about connection for its own sake but about establishing a necessary equilibrium—homeostasis.
To me, the key difference between Harari’s argument and mine lies in this concept of influence. Information—whether it pertains to humans or the natural world—has the power to move things from potential to kinetic. It’s not simply the process of connecting people; it’s the force that drives change and adaptation. In the same way that two rocks sitting side by side are inert, information only becomes meaningful when it is activated—when it sparks action or transformation. This is the release of potential, and it is, to me, the true essence of what information does.
In conclusion, while Harari’s perspective on the role of information in human connection is valuable, it overlooks the fundamental role of persuasion, purpose, and influence in shaping action. Information isn’t just about truth or order; it’s a powerful tool that influences behavior and drives change. Whether it’s guiding human decisions, orchestrating natural processes, or shaping societal movements, information is the catalyst that turns potential into action and transforms the world around us.
#Information #Influence #Purpose #Persuasion #Harari #Leadership #Change #Innovation #Power #Wisdom
