The analogies between genetic matrices and the ancient Chinese “Book of Changes”

Article by Professor Richard L. Perkson

The analogies between genetic matrices and the ancient Chinese “Book of Changes” (I Ching) are related to their shared mathematical and philosophical structure, based on the principles of binary systems, symmetry, and cyclicality. Here are the main analogies:

1. Binary Structure
   • In I Ching, the foundation consists of hexagrams, each made up of six lines, which can be either broken (Yin) or unbroken (Yang). This is a binary system, similar to binary code in mathematics.
   • Genetic matrices also use binary encoding to represent nucleotide sequences (e.g., Gray codes), where each position can have one of two states.

1. Cyclic Processes
   • I Ching describes changes and transitions between states of nature through a sequence of cyclical transformations, reflecting the dynamics of life.
   • Genetic matrices reflect cyclical and oscillatory processes in biology, such as DNA and RNA cycles, protein synthesis processes, and oscillations in cellular activity.

1. Combinatorics and Symmetry
   • I Ching hexagrams are formed by combining six lines, resulting in 64 unique combinations. This number also appears in the genetic code, where 64 triplets encode amino acids.
   • Genetic matrices, such as Karnaugh maps, use similar combinatorial principles, merging information into symmetric structures.

1. Philosophy of Wholeness
   • In I Ching, the world is described as a system of interconnected cycles and harmonies, where individual elements are unified into a whole. This is the philosophy of Gestalt—the holistic perception.
   • Genetic matrices describe probabilistic structures that combine molecular components into an organized biological whole, i.e., the genetic Gestalt.

1. Predictive Nature
   • I Ching was used to predict changes in nature and society.
   • Genetic matrices help predict inherited traits, probabilistic changes, and the behavior of biological systems.

These analogies highlight the profound connection between ancient philosophy and modern science, where the structure and patterns of nature are manifested in various fields of knowledge.