The universe is made of energy and information. In the short summary of quantum mechanics and networking theory, I have shown that both energy and information behave in a nonlinear fashion. Also, their patterns of organization and behaviors are consistent with the nonlinear behaviors of living systems, as explained by system theory. Therefore, we can conclude that if fundamental components of the universe are behaving like living systems, then the universe itself is indeed a living system. The notion of a living universe is consistent with the now widely accepted Gaia theory, which demonstrates that the Earth itself is a living system. It also validates Capra’s observation that “throughout the living world we find living systems nesting within other living systems.” The Web of Life (1997) 

The most exciting part of systems thinking is applying the current achievements of system theory to Gaia Theory (the widely accepted living Earth theory). When we acknowledge that the Earth is a living system, we recognize the inherent tendency of any living system, including Earth, to create novelty. Like any living system, Earth is a cognitive system. According to Capra, “Awareness of the environment is a property of cognition at all levels of life.” Further, he says, “The organizing activity of living systems at all levels of life is mental activity.” 

If we accept these tenets, then we must wonder:  With what does the mental activity of Earth concern itself? Who is participating in its network of mental activity? What is the current status of Earth’s cognition process?

In the linear perception, even though humans have consumed more of Earth’s resources than other species, the planet’s social networks are not as efficient and creative in its self-management as we might expect from a living system. More than that, they are wasteful and destructive. From this linear perspective, the future of life on Earth appears dark and hopeless. 

But from the nonlinear perspective, for the first time in this cycle of history of this living planet, the Earth’s behavioral pattern can be understood and explained by nonlinear perception. Therefore, the Earth’s mental activity network – of which human mental activity is one of its major components – through its inherent tendency to create novelty, has successfully managed to recognize nonlinear perception. That awareness helps to explain how living systems behave. The Earth’s mental activity network therefore has achieved ecological enlightenment in its cognitive process. To achieve this feat, Earth has invested tremendous resources, including minerals, stored energies, and the stored information in the intelligence of different species, including humans. Since all living systems are efficient, this cognitive achievement goes some distance toward compensating for the seemingly wasteful activities of humans so far.

Because of the dynamic nature of the nonlinear cognition process, we can never predict exactly how and when new enlightenment about nonlinear perception will become common knowledge. But historical patterns indicate that new perceptions are normally captured first through the intuition of artists, thinkers, or any sensitive person before they become a cultural or social norm. For instance, it took a century for the European Romantic Movement to become modernism in form of social and economic norms, and manifested itself as an individual’s right to own property and the right to vote as a free citizen. 

But in our digital age, this process can happen much faster. Considering that the living Earth has dynamic potential to provide information through inspiration to human beings. First, a few individuals become aware of an emerging perception by inspiration or through their personal life experience. They then begin to integrate the concept into their daily experiences and ways of viewing the world. Then they start to communicate the emerging idea with colleagues and institutions that recognize the concept. Gradually this circle grows larger and larger, moving through a chaotic transition to emerge as a popular way of thinking.