Penguins, Physics, and Perspectives: Why the Medium is the Message

By Michael Kelman Portney

Introduction: The Lens of Perception

What if I told you that the way we interpret the world matters as much as the facts we’re interpreting? Imagine a penguin exploring the laws of physics. The math and the formulas wouldn’t change—the universe operates on the same principles whether it’s observed by a human, a penguin, or an AI. But the thought process, the communication, and even the application of those principles would look entirely different for the penguin.

Why? Because the lens through which the penguin sees the world—its environment, experiences, and culture (if you will)—shapes its understanding. This isn’t just a thought experiment; it’s a framework for how humans interact with information.

As Marshall McLuhan famously said, “the medium is the message.” The medium—our lens, our context, our way of thinking—doesn’t just deliver the message; it shapes it and, ultimately, how we act upon it.

The Penguin and the Human Experience

For the penguin, convincing other penguins of its discoveries about the universe might involve waddling around, flapping wings, or using fish analogies. These actions are the penguin’s medium of communication, dictated by its world and peers.

Humans are no different. While we have complex language and advanced tools, we’re just as influenced by our lenses—culture, emotion, experience, and even bias. The facts might remain the same, but how we interpret, share, and act on those facts varies wildly depending on the medium of our message and the context of our understanding.

The Lens Shapes the Data

Here’s the paradox: The raw data is objective, but the way we see and use that data is inherently subjective. For example:

• In science, the numbers don’t lie, but the questions we ask of the data often reveal more about us than about the universe itself.

• In communication, the same set of facts can inspire hope, fear, or indifference depending on how they’re framed.

Our lens of perception—our medium—affects everything. It determines:

• What we value in the data.

• How we prioritize information.

• The narratives we construct around those priorities.

The Medium as a Tool of Influence

McLuhan’s “the medium is the message” reminds us that the way information is delivered impacts its meaning. For humans, this means:

1. Abstract Thinking is Key:

   • Without abstract thinking, we can’t step outside the raw data to ask critical questions like, “What does this mean?” or “How does this affect us?”

2. Narratives Shape Understanding:

   • Facts alone rarely convince people. Context, emotion, and storytelling—our medium—are often what bridge the gap between knowledge and belief.

Implications for the Human Experience

The penguin analogy highlights why abstract thinking about the human experience is pivotal. The universe might look the same to everyone on a purely physical level, but humans bring subjectivity, emotion, and culture that is uniquely…human. These elements are not distractions—they’re the mediums that shape how we interpret and act on raw data.

Takeaways for Today’s World

In an age where data is everywhere, understanding the medium of communication has never been more important. Whether it’s AI, social media, or face-to-face conversations:

1. The Medium Shapes Action:

   • How we frame and deliver information can amplify its impact—or dilute it entirely.

2. Philosophy Complements Data:

   • The hard facts are necessary, but philosophy, abstract thinking, and storytelling give those facts meaning.

3. Human Connection is the Ultimate Medium:

   • Facts don’t convince people—narratives do. The penguin doesn’t just share facts with other penguins; it communicates in a way that resonates with their shared experience.

Conclusion: Penguins and Perception

If a penguin can use its unique lens to understand the universe, why shouldn’t we embrace ours? The medium isn’t just a way to deliver a message—it’s how we define our reality, shape our world, and connect with others.

The next time you analyze data or share an idea, remember the penguin: The facts may be universal, but the lens you use—and the medium you choose—will determine what your message means to those who hear it.