Family and Fractal Cosmology
Details
- No background information is necessary for this meetup.
In mathematics, a fractal can be generated starting with a unit shape and iterating this shape according to a specified construction. When the fractal is created, this unit shape can then be observed everywhere and at all scales. This property is called self-similarity. With the Koch Snowflake, for example, the initial shape is a triangle.
By virtue of being mind-blowing, it is inevitable fractals find their way into metaphysics. Indeed, a fractal quality can be observed in Leibniz’s Monadology and Indra’s Net in Buddhism.
We “recently” saw such a fractal cosmology in Zhuangzi where the description on how to accomplish a task was essentially the same for a collection of entirely disparate tasks and at different scales. In Daoism, mastery over cutting an ox or catching cicadas is, in an obscure way, the same mastery an emperor has over administrating his empire. Though the details may diverge drastically, there is a certain underlying shape similar to all success.
In Daoism, it is believed this shape, as well as the way (Dao) of the world in general, can only be lightly intuited and gestured at. Not only will any intellectualization or formal specification of it in language fall short, but the more one tries the more the result will diverge. Paradoxically, we embody it maximally when we make no effort into understanding it.
However, in Confucianism, our specifications and intellectualization can be wisely guided to be a fulfillment of Dao, not necessarily a violation of it. Human influence falls on an axis from violating to nurturing, so that prudent and mindful structuring may reflect Dao and bring us into alignment with it.
Confucians, too, have a fractal aspect to their cosmology, but it reflects their prosocial orientation. Indeed, there is a unit that generates all of Confucian cosmology; its shape and influence can be observed everywhere, at all scales. This unit is the nuclear family, and nature ensures the goodness of humanity emerges from nurturing this unit. This is why filial piety (family reverence) is arguably the most important concept in all of Confucianism.
Why is this? How does this work out? Confucius relays this to a disciple recorded in the Xiaojing (Chinese for Classic on Filial Piety). The work is remarkably short, beginning on page 105 and ending on page 116 in the following links.
We will read parts in person, but it is recommended to read it before arriving to our meeting.
Pushed to the extreme, the Xiaojing implies your relationship with your family reflects your relationship with the cosmos. There is no context where this idea is less popular and more disturbing than in the contemporary cosmopolitan West. However, we will discuss the plausibility of this idea guided by the work. To the extent traditionalism has become countercultural, this work is downright radical.
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Links to some of my previous meetups are below.
How to Enjoy a Tasty Snack of Minced Human Liver
Character as the Source of Virtue
A Defense of that which Requires None: Common Sense
Prolonging Disfigures, Exertion Deranges
Broken Paragon
The Blind Spot of Knowledge's Physiology
What to morality, is proof to truth?
Back to the Roots – Man’s Search for Meaning
Family and Fractal Cosmology