In a somewhat-related area, Alan Kay viewed object-oriented programming as cells (objects) and their transport proteins (messages). Like biology, the system is

In a somewhat-related area, Alan Kay viewed object-oriented programming as cells (objects) and their transport proteins (messages). Like biology, the system is a big ugly mess, but it's made up of tiny self-contained units that can handle themselves. The actor model continues this idea, but usually drops the connection to biology.