1. A semantic object representing an entity or tacit information, the semantic object comprising: semantic tags describing attributes of the entity or tacit information, including relationships to other semantic objects, to physical or software objects, or to information existing in the mind of a human being; and rules embodying goals, automation and other policies regarding how the semantic object interacts with, is manipulated by, and is displayed to human beings and automatic processes; wherein a semantic object can be searched using semantic tags and meta-data contained in the semantic object, the meta-data being paired with the semantic tags and wherein the semantic tags can be extended by an owner of the semantic object and shared over a network.