Our journey through life bears a striking resemblance to the evolution of software. From the moment of conception, we embark on a series of updates, each one contributing to the development of our unique 'code.' If we can acquire better versions of our software, maybe we can become better versions of ourselves. Let's explore this analogy as we delve into the major upgrades and transformative experiences that shape our human existence.
0.001: The Conception Stage
In the world of software, this would be the equivalent of the development stage—a raw, initial version with the potential for greatness. Similarly, the first moments of life, the gestation period, set the foundation for the entire human experience. Just as code is written and refined during the development phase, our genetic code is established, laying the groundwork for the adventure that lies ahead.
1.0: Birth - The Release Version
Birth marks the release of the first stable version of the human software. With it, we enter the world as a fully functional '1.0' release. I held my granddaughter in my arms shortly after she was born, and as I looked down at her perfect and beautiful face, I realized that her 1.0 operating system was initially limited to the essential task of keeping her alive. At that moment, I understood that life was programming her, writing the code that would largely determine her future. Thankfully, her parents are skilled programmers, and she has grown into a happy, intelligent, and affectionate girl who brings immense joy to those around her. However, not everyone is as fortunate. Some of us have been affected by flawed code, and we struggle with it throughout our lives.
According to the Enneagram, when it comes to human nature, we are born with at least 9 inherent flaws, often referred to as "original sin": sloth, anger, pride, deceit, envy, avarice, fear, gluttony, and lust. Throughout our lives, we have the potential to experience all of these flaws, but each individual has a tendency towards one of them that persists throughout their life.
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc: The Schooling Updates
As we advance through school, we encounter minor updates, similar to software patches. Each grade level introduces us to new knowledge, skills, and experiences, gradually improving our understanding of the world. For example, Grade 1.1 might cover basic arithmetic, while 1.2 introduces the joy of reading. During this phase, we rarely experience profound learning that fundamentally transforms us. Even after completing our formal education, we often remain in version 1, albeit version 1.16 or higher.
There comes a time when software becomes outdated. Technology is advancing beyond the capacity of the software to handle it. That happens to us if we choose to remain at version 1. Updates, which merely fix bugs or add minor new features, are insufficient to keep up with the changing world. We need an upgrade that makes a leap to a new version, leaving the old one behind. Some upgrades are chosen voluntarily, while others are imposed on us by life experiences.
There comes a time when we must let go of the person we’ve always been and take the Hero’s Journey to the person we’re becoming.
2.0: Transformative Life Experiences
Life is peppered with experiences, which can be compared to the notification on our computer that asks us if we want to upgrade to the new version. Positive or negative, these experiences can shape us into a new and improved version of ourselves if we choose to upgrade to the new version. We all know people who have remained stuck in an outdated version of themselves after being emotionally or physically injured by a life experience. Graduating from college, starting a career, falling in love, divorce, facing adversity, retirement, failure—each of these is a milestone update opportunity that can propel us forward if we allow them to be our teacher.
Much like software updates bring new features and improved functionality, transformative life experiences contribute to our personal growth, expanding our capacities and understanding. These moments challenge our existing 'code,' forcing us to adapt and evolve.
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc: Continued Iterations
Following a major upgrade, life continues to offer incremental updates. These iterations, whether small victories or lessons learned from failures, contribute to the ongoing refinement of our personal software. We may not always notice these changes day-to-day, but they accumulate, shaping us into more robust and resilient individuals.
In the grand symphony of existence, our journey through life mirrors the continuous development and refinement seen in software. From the initial conception and development to the stable release and through countless updates and upgrades, our experiences and the lessons we learn contribute to the ongoing evolution of our unique 'code.' Embracing the analogy between human and software development, we can appreciate the beauty of growth and the constant pursuit of becoming the best versions of ourselves.
What version are you? When was your last upgrade?
Thought provoking Pat.