From the intricate structures of living organisms to the decentralized operation of the Bitcoin system, our world is full of complex and fascinating phenomena. Behind these phenomena lies a common principle: emergence. Emergence refers to the overall properties and behaviors that arise from the interactions of individual entities, surpassing the attributes of any single unit. The key to understanding emergence is to grasp the concept of self-reference in individuals and how the pre- and post-emergence worlds form a harmonious cycle.

The Pre-Emergence World: Self-Referential Individuals

Before emergence occurs, the world consists of countless independent, static, and discrete entities. Each entity possesses self-referential properties, meaning self-referencing loops or internal logic that drive their behaviors. This self-reference can be seen as a form of self-awareness or intrinsic function. For instance, a single cell can perceive environmental changes and respond accordingly, just as a single line of code executes a specific instruction—both exhibiting self-referential behavior.

The Post-Emergence World: Global Intelligence

When these individual entities interact, new orders and structures emerge. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts, displaying entirely new attributes and behaviors. This dynamic and continuous whole is what we call the post-emergence world.

For example:

• Numerous cells form an organism, giving rise to life and consciousness, which no single cell possesses.
• Lines of code form an operating system, producing powerful functions far beyond individual instructions.

The Way of Nature: A Harmonious Cyclic Loop

Understanding the pre- and post-emergence worlds and the harmonious cycle between them is key to grasping the fundamental principles of nature. The self-reference of individuals is the foundation of emergence, while the emergent whole, in turn, influences individual behavior—forming an ever-evolving cycle. This cycle is the source of life and creativity.

Example 1: Photoreceptor Cells and Sleep Rhythms

Human sleep rhythms offer a perfect example. Photoreceptor cells, as independent entities, possess a self-referential function of detecting light. Upon sensing changes in light, they regulate the secretion of melatonin, which affects the body’s sleep cycle.

• ‍Pre-Emergence World: Individual photoreceptor cells detect light and secrete melatonin.‍
• Post-Emergence World: Melatonin collectively regulates the body’s sleep rhythm, synchronizing it with day and night.‍
• Harmonious Cycle: A stable sleep cycle enhances overall health, in turn benefiting the survival and function of photoreceptor cells.

Here, the self-referential behavior of photoreceptor cells contributes to overall well-being, while the body’s health supports the function of individual cells, forming a balanced feedback loop.

Example 2: The Bitcoin System

Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin system also embodies the principles of emergence. Miners, as independent individuals, have the self-referential function of computing hash values. They continuously perform calculations to find a valid nonce, earning Bitcoin rewards.

• ‍Pre-Emergence World: Individual miners conduct hash calculations independently.‍
• Post-Emergence World: Collectively, miners maintain the security and stability of the Bitcoin network, leading to Bitcoin’s value.‍
• Harmonious Cycle: Bitcoin’s value incentivizes more miners to participate, and their mining activities further reinforce Bitcoin’s value. The nonce and BTC act as the “hormones” or “nutrients” linking the two worlds, maintaining system balance.

In this example, miners’ self-referential behavior (solving hashes) leads to the emergence of Bitcoin’s value, while Bitcoin’s value, in turn, motivates more mining—forming a self-organized and decentralized system.

Decoding Bitcoin: The Four Key Elements of Designing a New Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin’s success is no coincidence; it embodies deep philosophical insights and sophisticated system design. Understanding Bitcoin requires understanding emergence and how the pre- and post-emergence worlds form a harmonious cycle.

To design a cryptocurrency as successful as Bitcoin, we must consider four essential roles from an emergence-based perspective:

1. ‍Self-referential individuals – The system’s foundation, where each unit possesses independent self-referential functions, enabling self-looping and self-referencing.‍
2. Feedback mechanism (hormones) – The bridge between individuals and the whole, acting as a medium for individual behaviors to influence the system.‍
3. Emergent whole – The system-wide properties that arise from collective interactions, such as security, stability, and value in cryptocurrencies.‍
4. Nourishment from the whole (nutrients) – The incentives provided by the system to individuals, encouraging continued participation (e.g., Bitcoin rewards).

These four elements create a complete cycle: individuals influence the system via hormones, while the system sustains individuals through nutrients, enabling self-organization and long-term stability.

Conclusion

Emergence is the bridge between humanity and nature—it is the guiding principle that leads us into the future. Only by deeply understanding emergence can we create revolutionary innovations like Bitcoin, Bach’s music, and Escher’s art while preparing for the challenges ahead.

As Laozi once said:

“Man follows Earth, Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows Nature.”

By understanding and aligning with nature, we can achieve true harmony. Emergence is the key that unlocks the future.