sensemaking

A still from <n>Gaspar Noé</n>'s 2021 film <n>Vortex</n>.

Film still from <n>And Life Goes On</n> (1992), directed by <n>Abbas Kiarostami</n>.

What is Chaos Theory? Chaos is the science of surprises, of the nonlinear and the unpredictable. It teaches us to expect the unexpected. While most traditional science deals with supposedly predictable phenomena like gravity, electricity, or chemical reactions, Chaos Theory deals with nonlinear things that are effectively impossible to predict or control, like turbulence, weather, the stock market, our brain states, and so on. These phenomena are often described by fractal mathematics, which captures the infinite complexity of nature. Many natural objects exhibit fractal properties, including landscapes, clouds, trees, organs, rivers etc, and many of the systems in which we live exhibit complex, chaotic behavior. Recognizing the chaotic, fractal nature of our world can give us new insight, power, and wisdom. For example, by understanding the complex, chaotic dynamics of the atmosphere, a balloon pilot can “steer” a balloon to a desired location. By understanding that our ecosystems, our social systems, and our economic systems are interconnected, we can hope to avoid actions which may end up being detrimental to our long-term well-being.

A Venn diagram by <n>Imaginary Foundation</n> shows the intersection of Science and Art as Wonder.

Pleated shirt by <n>Issey Miyake</n>, 1993.

Artwork by <n>beaming</n> with a quote from <n>Ruben Chavez</n>.

Excerpt from the article <n>Returning to the Whole</n> in <n>Yes! Magazine</n>, quoting activist <n>Grace Lee Boggs</n>.

Album art for the song <n>Disciplined Flow Surrender</n> by musician <n>Sheschupek</n>.

<n>Ikigai</n> diagram adapted for <n>Future Earth</n>.

A still from the 2006 film <n>Paprika</n>, directed by <n>Satoshi Kon</n>.

Collage titled <n>Free</n> by artist <n>Jesse Treece</n>.

A film still from a movie directed by <n>Sidney Lumet</n>.

A scene from the anime <n>Ao Haru Ride</n>.

Digital illustration <n>Human Condition</n> by graphic designer <n>Andy Zeo</n>.

A still from the 1997 film <n>Taste of Cherry</n>, directed by <n>Abbas Kiarostami</n>.

A still from the 1967 film <n>Uncle Yanco</n>, directed by <n>Agnès Varda</n>.

A still of the character <n>Amélie Poulain</n> from the 2001 film <n>Amelie</n>.

A still of <n>Bruce Lee</n> from his 1971 interview on <n>The Pierre Berton Show</n>.

A still of <n>Brad Pitt</n> in <n>David Fincher</n>'s 1999 film <n>Fight Club</n>.