Life is a self-improving stochastic sorting algorithm...

[bascule]

...executing a massively parallel random walk of possible life configurations, sorting out the bad from the good.

 

Yup. Douglas Adams was right; the Earth is just one big computer.

[ecoli]

...executing a massively parallel random walk of possible life configurations' date=' sorting out the bad from the good.

 

Yup. Douglas Adams was right; the Earth is just one big computer.[/quote']

 

A computer with an organic matrix. How long do you think it would take a computer like that to find out the Question to the Answer of the universe?

[CanadaAotS]

10 million years wasn't it? lol

[gmacrider]

...executing a massively parallel random walk of possible life configurations, sorting out the bad from the good.

 

Nice statement. It made me think. Personally, I would prefer re-wording it something like:

 

Natural Selection is a stochastic sorting algorithm, processing life in a massively parallel random walk through an endless variety of constraints and opportunities. The result is evolution (or extinction).

 

Just thinking out loud. Good stuff.