PREDICTIONS – 10 Years Later - Santa Fe Institute

7. COMPETITION IS THE CREATOR AND THE REGULATOR
produce a workable model, but it also matches well what happens in a
multicompetitor arena—typically, the Olympic Games.
ONLY ONE FRONT RUNNER AT A TIME
Taking care of logistics for the Olympic Games must be a feat comparable,
if not superior, to the records broken during the games
themselves. In anticipation of the games, preparations may include construction
of housing, roads, subway lines, stadiums, and whole villages.
The number of visitors to be accommodated sometimes surpasses the
number of local residents.
Far easier to decide is the number of winning medals to be fabricated.
This proof of distinction comes in three versions: gold, silver, and
bronze. And there must be exactly one of each for each event in the
games, no more, no less. Among the world’s most exceptional athletes
there can be no surprises about the enumeration of the winning performances.
For each event there will be a first, a second, and a third. In
every event the three winners outperform the average mortal by the
same factor. Nevertheless, under competition, one can distinguish
among them as needed by using precision watches with time resolutions
of 1/100 of a second or better. The difference between first-, secondand
third-place medals seems exaggerated compared to the difference
between performances.
• • •
In a typical American living room, the family has gathered
around the television, once more watching the Olympic
Games.
“Look, Mom, they’re going to cry again,” says the little
one.
It is the show’s most titillating moment, awards time. Three
young athletes step on the pedestals of different height. Gold,
silver, and bronze medals are hung around the appropriate
necks. Emotions are high both in the stadium and the living
room. All three athletes are crying.
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