"In fundamental physical terms, **any process**—be it rain, a volcanic eruption, plant growth, animal predation, or the growth of human sapience—**can be defined as a sequence of energy conversions**, and for a few hundred million years after the Earth’s formation the probes would see only the same varied, but ultimately monotonous, displays of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and atmospheric storms." ([Location 417](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08SGC3TD3&location=417)) --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[energy-conversion]], [[systems-thinking]], **Source** -- [[202412030828 - B - How the World Really Works]]