the way i see it, neither the digital approach nor the analog has
perpetual superiority over the other. both have equal footing
overall. returning to the input device example, a digital keyboard is
ideal for writing emails, but ***bersome for use in photoshop. an
analog mouse is ideal for editing images in photoshop, but ***bersome
for emails. it's why you won't often see personal computers with only
one device because both has its advantages and disadvantages,
depending on the situation.
the integration of digital and analog devices will optimize peak
efficiency and effectiveness in a wide variety of tasks, where the
benefits of one can make up for the drawbacks of the other. whether
you're talking about analog and digital devices, or software and
hardware, or heart and mind, or intuition and calculation, or public
and private, or diplomacy and war -- it's all the same pattern.
maximize integration and you'll maximize effectiveness.
here's a picture i took on a recent trip to niagara falls which nicely
shows the integration theme from a different perspective (link
below). what's most interesting is not the straight digital steps set
in the midst of a supremely analog and rocky outcroping, nor even the
billowing white mists contrasting with the unforgiving black rocks.
but rather, it's where the green moss is located. it's not on the far
right where it's too wet. it's not on the far left where there isn't
enough direct sunlight. what i like about this picture is how it
shows life thriving in the middle, and with the man-made steps rising
up, following the natural contours of the cliff, integrated with its
environment.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/383165324_1b431875a6.jpg
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