We are overly optimistic when finding local structure in the environment and consistently underestimate its emergent properties. Evolved to look for patterns in the surrounding chaos, we often neglect the nuance and complexity of systems and events. Ruling the Holocaust as an intentional rather than emergent phenomenon presents a more accessible, polarised picture of morality. Deriving a language from a set of fundamental grammar rules might capture a subset of transforming states but will eventually face a lack of predictive capacity. Could we argue similarly about intelligence? A macroevolutionary approach should have the capacity to subdue any local pattern-seeking, even if pattern-seeking has generative properties. When choosing a model, we should push our fundamental start as far as possible, preserving the necessary utility. However challenging it may be to balance the human lifespan with the current scientific capacity, the ultimate grammar of the universe is emergent, and we should aim to capture its transient nature.
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