Feynman, the scientific method and evolution.

I'm sure I've mentioned it before but science is an evolutionary algorithm. And I love how well Feynman's explanation of science fits into the algorithm itself.

Guess -> Compute consequences of guess -> Agrees with reality?

If it fails to agree with experiment, the guess is absolutely wrong, even if it's beautiful. That's very closely akin to the typical algorithm employed by biology:

Mutation -> Develop organism out of DNA -> Dies?

If it fails to thrive, the mutation was less fit. The fact is that without the unforgiving nature of science or the unforgiving nature of nature, things don't work at all.

Genetic Art: 118 polygon Tat

A few weeks back there was a quick claim to fame for an individual who created a nice 50 semi-transparent polygon version of the Mona Lisa using a genetic algorithm (bit more hill climbing than actual GA) and since I am presently doing something mildly similar (though for a completely different reason which will end up being fruitless). I figured I'd play around with his program a little bit to see if I could do anything fun with it.

Behold PolyGon Me sitting on a couch.