It's not just any compression algorithm, though, it's a specific sort of algorithm that does not have the purpose of compression, even if compression is necessa

It's not just any compression algorithm, though, it's a specific sort of algorithm that does not have the purpose of compression, even if compression is necessary for achieving its purpose. It could not be replaced by most other compression algorithms. Having said that, I think this picture is missing something: when we teach each new generation what we know, part of that process involves recapitulating the steps by which we got to where we are. It is a highly selective (compressed?) history, however, focusing on the things that made a difference and putting aside most of the false starts, dead ends and mistaken notions (except when the topic is history, of course, and often even then.) I do not know if this view has any significance for AI.