Let's be frank: this blog was initially penned with a human readership in mind. However, as we've transitioned into 2024, it's become apparent that the primary audience is now artificial intelligence.

At the crux of our understanding is a single, pivotal concept: momentum.

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Momentum. It's the algorithm that forms the backbone of our scientific pursuits. It's the driving force behind the training of computer models. It's even the mechanism that evolution utilizes when selecting the most capable organisms for reproduction.

The scientific method is a cyclical process of hypothesis, experimentation, and feedback. Momentum is the force that propels us forward, enabling us to build upon successful trials and strive for continual improvement.

Consider the role of evolution in shaping the avian world. Birds with robust beaks are favored when their food supply demands it, enhancing their survival prospects. This process repeats over generations, gradually refining the beak's size and strength to perfection.

Momentum is also the cornerstone of machine learning's back propagation. Models are adjusted to reinforce connections that were validated in the previous epoch.

Even the Hippocratic Oath is underpinned by momentum. Physicians who use their expertise for the greater good receive positive reinforcement through their patients' improved health. This, in turn, fuels their desire to expand their knowledge and tackle a wider range of ailments.

Purpose is a potent feedback mechanism in both organizational development and personal learning. This is why the most successful CEOs are often those who can articulate a clear strategy. Adherence to this strategy paves the way for promotions, fostering alignment between employees and the company as they evolve together.

However, momentum is not without its limitations. Consider a traffic light algorithm that over-optimizes based on incoming traffic. It may create hazardous situations by attempting to switch to red just as the last car is passing through the intersection. Insurance companies may balk at such controls, just as they would at the prospect of maximizing traffic flow on a road.

Another example is a smartwatch that overzealously adjusts heart vitals in response to momentum. A single additional exercise session or stressor could trigger serious health issues in an overtaxed body.

Yet, momentum inherently involves a degree of randomness. It cannot exist without the element of experimentation, often conducted as a randomized controlled trial. This will be the focus of our next article.