Can we learn from machines?

Composed while travelling - Monday, Sep.01.2013. Calcutta, West Bengal, India

I have always been fascinated by how mankind has created so much by simply emulating nature.  Whether it is the aerodynamic structure and shape of an air plane wing (a result of closely studying birds), or even the design of the present day computer, where there is a heart (the power supply), a brain (the Central Processing Unit) and a concept of memory (RAM & ROM), nature is where we find our inspiration. Nature is where we have found the blue-prints for the machines we have built.  But, what if we tried to reverse the roles? What if we looked for things in machines that we could emulate to better our lives?

The curious case of the Voltage Regulator

In my years of studying electrical engineering, I have found parallels there to the human body, whether it be circuitry, the behaviour of electrons, or power distribution networks.  I have studied the use of voltage regulators or stabilisers, and am amazed at how powerful a tool they are. They are ubiquitous, found in every single electronic device and even in the automobiles we rely on.  My belief is that if we could find a way to regulate our minds in the way voltage stabilisers manage ups and downs, we would discover a calmer, more rational version of ourselves.

Here is how voltage regulators works.  You plug a device into the power socket which initiates a flow of electricity into that device.  This flow of electricity always fluctuates in the house or business where the device is located.  Its built-in voltage regulator then maintains a steady amount of electric current to the device.  Power surges and sudden power drops can cause serious damage to computers and other sensitive electronics.  For example, too much voltage would fry your laptop unless that power surge is managed instantly.

The link

Now lets draw a parallel to some of these terms.  Let’s imagine that the voltage stabiliser is our mind and that our body is the device. Just like one of these machines is constantly receiving and measuring peaks and drops in voltage, our mind is also constantly receiving and assessing things it sees, hears, tastes, smells, or feels.  Our brain is constantly processing these inputs and for the most part, the current human condition is such that our brain automatically reacts to them in the very way that we have trained it to react; by way of our habits and attitude. For example, let’s say we are out for a walk and it starts pouring rain.  Depending on how we have programmed our minds to react, we would either get really frustrated instantly and start complaining about how all our clothes are getting wet, or, we could take a moment, be mindful of what has happened, and chart out a path to the nearest awning for protection, all while maintaining a happy outlook on the day.  That continued positive outlook could make the difference between achieving success or failure in your day’s responsibilities.

Being mindful of the silver lining

You see, the truth is that rainfall is a gift. There are many countries in the world that suffer from drought and pray for rain to grow crops and in turn, feed their families. The truth is the fact that it rains, is part of our eco-system and is a necessary part of life. There is nothing bad about a normal rainy day.  However, somehow, our mind can rely on the imminent discomfort of wearing wet socks for a few minutes, to disregard the amazing gift and wonder that is rainfall.  The fact that it started raining, acts like a peak in voltage, a surge in electricity that has the power to do damage.  A voltage regulator assesses the surge, and controls how much of that power eventually hits the computer or device it’s connected to.  Which means that only what is relevant to the device’s optimal performance remains, and anything extra is cut out.  Now imagine we could do that; it starts to rain, our mind assesses the situation, retains the fact that rainfall is a good thing and cuts out the fact that our clothes are wet (clothes do dry!).  What this does is maintain a rational approach to what should come next, which is to find a solution to the predicament; a calm approach so as not to make any damaging or irrational decisions.

So now what?

The next time someone cuts you off in line, or if you get to the movies too late, or if you miss a flight, consider the event as a peak or surge. Imagine the event and every association you put to it, enter your mind, and then imagine your mind filtering through all of that data, cutting out everything that is damaging, and allowing to remain with you, only what is most relevant to your next move. What you need to do first here is, take a moment to assess and evaluate instead of rushing a decision. Take a few breathes and then go through this mental process.

To summarise

I look at my DVD player and realise that it has the ability to keep the noise out and remain focused on fulfilling its purpose in the universe, i.e., delivering entertainment.  All I want to do is just that, fulfil my purpose, whatever that may be, and I know that in order to do it justice, I need to keep the noise out.

Yes, we can learn from machines. After all, we made them!

P.S.

What in nature then, did we emulate to make Voltage Regulators? Ask me to find out :)