Make Your (Quantum) Move
In a way described by Einstein as ‘spooky’, quantum mechanics has revealed how particles and even objects can become entangled. Even at long distances objects have already been shown to have an information connection which operates at many thousands of times faster than light.
It appears likely, at a molecular level, that nature has taken advantage of this in playing its games of adaptation and survival. At a higher level, every move in a game communicates information which changes the nature of subsequent moves. Even when nothing is done, there is intention. Even when there is no obvious way in which intention is communicated to other players in system or society, there is an effect.
Quantum games are those in which individual moves are entangled so that they are no longer independent. It becomes impossible for one move to be made without a consequence for other moves. This is true even if that consequence is not a conscious one on the part of another player.
Problem games, like the UBS culture of extravagantly risky expansion, or the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, or the great stagnation, or global warming, can be transcended by what appear to be out-of-turn moves.
These moves are unexpected, and overcome their lack of movement by provoking cooperative moves from the other sides in the game. And these are most likely when someone has been sensitized enough to the needs and fears of others.
If you want to be radical, then listen to other people. The ability to empathize can develop the adaptation required to change the way that a game is played. Mandela in prison transcended his circumstances, an ability to use empathy to out-emote his opponent as well as out-think him. When he says the best way to defeat an enemy is to make him your friend, he is explaining how he outwitted the game.
(This is an excerpt by Max Mckeown from Adaptability)
