This week’s photo challenge theme is Pattern. Visually, this is a very strong subject in photography and has been illustrated in countless dramatic and stunning ways by much more talented artists than I. But what an interesting philosophical theme as well! Are patterns created by humans, or are they natural? Humans have a special knack for identifying and arranging patterns as well as re-creating, extending, and imposing them on all kinds of things. Is that a function of our orderly brains, our consciousness? Of course, there are also examples of patterns in nature….but, again, the concept of ‘pattern’ is something we invented. It wasn’t as if a DNA string said to itself, “I think I’ll create a pattern.” It was a human who saw what was in front of him/her and said, “Eureka! A pattern!” So, pattern…is it a real phenomenon or a construct of our consciousness? Discuss. (or just look at the pictures!)
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Dear Scilla,
What a great take on this theme! You always have such an interesting point of view. Wonderful post!
Thank you! Can’t wait to see yours… 😉
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The perfect spin on this theme and interesting not only for the patterns but for the textures in the subjects you chose to photograph. Well done! 🙂
Thank you, Jamie! And your poem this morning was one to which I could especially relate…how our consciousness works in dreams fascinates me. My brain works on areas of my life that are far removed from my waking life, often involving infants for whom I am responsible. Myself in different incarnations, indeed…and then I wake. Who arises this morning? Enjoyed those thoughts with you!
Great take on patterns. I also love the presentation!
Thanks! Presentation meaning the slide show format?
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Pattern is nature’s fight against chaos?
Why fight chaos? Nature seems a lot more comfortable with it than we are.
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By nature I mean life. life is anything but chaos – it brings order to chaos.
I found this definition of chaos: a often capitalized : a state of things in which chance is supreme; especially : the confused unorganized state of primordial matter before the creation of distinct forms — compare cosmos b : the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a complex natural system (as the atmosphere, boiling water, or the beating heart)
So, it would seem that the evolution of distinct forms from primordial matter is life bringing order to chaos, but I think life also exhibits unpredictable behaviors in complex natural systems.
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🙂
To a certain extent, if it wasn’t for unpredictable behaviour we wouldn’t be here – (depending on your personal philosophy of life) – as mutation is essential to evolution.
As always, thought provoking 😀
Welcome back, Helen! Looking forward to your next posts!
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