Noticing Recurrent Patterns, from Microcosm to Macrocosm

Abstract

Careful study reveals a variety of recurrent natural patterns of life that are evident over vastly different scales of organization, within living cells, multicellular organisms, colonies, populations, communities and ecosystems: stars and stripes, circles, lines, spirals, rivers, ripples and crazy paving. The vital role of receptive perception and imagination in the personal recognition and appreciation of these patterns is emphasized. The suppression of these qualities by the imposition of rationalistic logic and language that objectively isolates observer from observation is seen to be a source of profound misunderstanding, which detracts from the quality of human life experience, learning and discovery. By contrast, the value is recognized and exemplified of a discerning approach to natural scientific enquiry that incorporates and encourages empathic personal observation and feeling awareness rather than relying completely on the abstract findings, methodologies, theories and truth claims of prior and current authorities. Such an approach to enquiry, which reciprocally combines receptivity and discernment, rather than divorcing them as abstract ‘subjectivity’ and ‘objectivity’, is available to anyone, not just those privileged by a formal scientific education. Most fundamentally it requires imagination, awareness of intangible presence and possibility, which is beyond the comprehension of objective rationalization. Its exposition may hence include art and poetry, as well as analytical discourse.