人类是高度符号化的。一方面符号是高度规范化的信息模式的要素;另一方面,规范的运作总是需要一些符号工具和一些信息传递过程的;或者像一些象征仪式,它们是映现和传递其他领域里的状况信息的信息装置,或者某些规范其实在提供模板,帮助复制某些价值上已获认可的行为方式。图腾比较特别,它是有着多样化用途的符号工具,而在某些特定的用途中,也可能成为一种既传递信息也塑造行为的信息装置。当然,信息流动方式、信息编码状况等,在制度形态的历史选择中颇具影响;情况可能是,不同的制度形态基于其本质特征,势必选择不同的信息流动方式和信息结构特征;但更有可能,特定的历史条件会有利于特定的信息流动方式,后者又会有利于特定的制度形态。 Humans are highly symbolic. On the one hand, symbols are the elements of a highly standardized information model; on the other hand, the operation of the code always requires some symbolic tools and some information transfer processes, or some symbolic rites, which map and convey status information in other fields Information appliances, or some norm, actually provide templates that help replicate some of the value-priced behaviors that have been accepted. Totem is rather special, it is a symbolic tool with diversified uses, and in some specific uses, it may also become an information device that transmits and shapes behaviors. Of course, the flow of information and the status of information coding are influential in the historical choice of institutional forms. The situation may be that different institutional forms are likely to choose different information flow patterns and information structural features based on their essential characteristics, but more likely , Specific historical conditions will favor a specific flow of information, which in turn will favor a particular institutional pattern.