is the substance of all there is. In nature, the simplest persistent forms, under the operations of duplication, variation, and recursion stack layer upon layer to achieve all the complexities of the universe. Particles become atoms, atoms become molecules, molecules become geology and biology and technology.

Add to this Energy and Time -- tightly bound concepts, in that they bring about action and change. Energy is carried by matter, and carries matter, and determines what might be. Matter is organized according to the historical action of energy upon it, and strives to reorganize itself into patterns allowed by that energy, preserving consistency as it follows its future.

Intellect is the influence that directs change. Matter, on its own, under the natural influences imparted to it in the beginning of time organizes itself into natural beauty. Nebulae, stars, planets, oceans, mountains, rivers, clouds form a landscape in which myriads of life forms compete and collaborate in a complex ecology that enriches the planet we humans call our home world and perhaps countless others, as well.

Amid this natural order, human society manifests its own ecology: inhabited by humans all, but organized into a hierarchical division of labor, responsibility and authority. Economic order -- realized in the simultaneous, distributed action of billions of human intellects competing and collaborating throughout the world -- brings about the conditions that promote human survival, prosperity, and continuity.

Informed intellect sees the future, and takes action to direct matter and energy in all their complex forms to seek to bring about the most desirable of alternatives. Activities of pure and applied science work to push the boundaries of knowledge into the domain of the unknown. Technology shapes knowledge into solutions that solve problems, and solutions bring pleasure and prosperity to all participants.