Butterflies have long been associated with fabulous myths. From the metamorphosis of caterpillars to the incredible colours found on their wings, the nature of these creatures have inspired legends and metaphors throughout history.
One of the more recent concepts woven around this amazing insect is that a butterfly's wings flapping in the Amazon can cause a hurricane in the West, due to the cumulative nature of cause and effect - describing an unseen and largely unconsidered natural framework which ensures development and change at all levels, from molecular to universal.
One of the more recent concepts woven around this amazing insect is that a butterfly's wings flapping in the Amazon can cause a hurricane in the West, due to the cumulative nature of cause and effect - describing an unseen and largely unconsidered natural framework which ensures development and change at all levels, from molecular to universal.
The 'Butterfly Effect' is now a popular principle in Chaos Theory, attributed to mathematician Edward Lorenz. The origins of his theory can be traced back to his interest in weather disturbance but apply equally to social events, meaning that all the things we do in life have potentially significant consequences on a global scale. An issue of Social Alternatives published in 2012, The Sustainability Prism, explores social sustainability and language development from these foundation principles.
Science has discovered that butterfly colours are produced from cells in the form of gyroids, complex shapes which contain no straight lines and can never be divided into symmetrical parts. Remarkably, the gyroid was only discovered in 1970 and was used in scientific applications prior to the knowledge that nature had got there first.
Science has discovered that butterfly colours are produced from cells in the form of gyroids, complex shapes which contain no straight lines and can never be divided into symmetrical parts. Remarkably, the gyroid was only discovered in 1970 and was used in scientific applications prior to the knowledge that nature had got there first.
Knowing that chaos and order are two sides of the same coin, just as all polarities are, the Butterfly Effect puts a firm stamp of reality on our actions having far-reaching consequences. We can all trace random events in our life history to personal systems of huge significance. For some, a meeting on a train may lead to marriage, or a hobby turn into a multi-million enterprise. The more enthusiastically we embrace change, the more energy we put into pursuing opportunity, the greater our chances of creating important consequences for ourselves and others. Care and consideration of others is key to the nature of the effects we produce, and each small change we make for the better in our own lives has the potential to impact positively on the world we live in as a whole. This clarifies our responsibility as adult life forms in an expanding universe - the potential we have to ensure our survival and sustainable progress, and the importance of knowing that we do make a difference, both as singularities and as parts of a global community.
RSS Feed
