Seeing Patterns

George Bernard Shaw said, "If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience."

I believe there are those who learn from history and with that knowledge are able to re-shape the cyclical turn slightly from what would occur if uninfluenced by that knowledge.  It is as though they are able to nudge the pendulum just enough to change its monotonous passage through space and time.  They change the course of the future.

I also believe there are some who change the pattern while oblivious to the repetitive nature of events through time.  They are inspired to do something that sends ripples through the pattern -- a wobble in the spinning top -- that changes the course into the future.  The actions might be small, or they might be of a larger nature.  The key is that they are actions.

It would be easy at this point to sermonize on the consequences of our actions.  That is, as the British might say, a "sticky wicket."  A simple and glaring example is that Israel likely would not exist today had it not been for the acts of Hitler.  Where is the morality in that?  His actions certainly had consequences, but they were not what he intended nor was the result brought about in the way most people would have preferred.

Yes, our actions have consequences, but we don't always know if they will be good or bad.

Patterns of history are one thing, but patterns exist all around us in many forms.  I think it is instructive to note that they create a mathematical symphony of symmetry.  The Four-spotted Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla quadriguttata) is actually a wasp.  It has a distinct pattern that makes it easily identifiable.  The one below was wandering near our firepit a few weeks ago.

 Making Sense

There is so much in this world that doesn't make sense.  Most of it involves human behavior.  I'm sure that if I understood all of the factors that went into shaping a person's worldview I might begin to understand, but such is impossible for man.  We just have to accept that people are each wired differently -- both from their genetic makeup as well as their life experiences.

Even the concept that what one perceives as strange behavior seems perfectly natural to another is difficult to comprehend.  Our life experiences, education, and the influence of friends strongly biases us to see behaviors that are not common to our like-minded friends, family and acquaintances that we find those "strange" behaviors difficult to understand.

The opposite side of that is for one to become so used to odd behaviors that they begin to accept them as completely natural and common.  The danger in doing so is that truly dangerous behaviors are allowed to go unchecked.  Those who fall into this category see those of the previous category as being bigoted, racists and worse.  When this occurs, they become guilty of the very thing they condemn.

I must admit that I am a little biased against anything that looks like a wasp.  I have been stung more than once, and the experience is not pleasant.  Yesterday I found Black-and-yellow Mud Daubers (Sceliphron caementarium)  on one of the Jalapeno Pepper plants.  My first inclination was to find the wasp spray.  I decided I didn't want to spray them while on the pepper plant because I didn't want to possibly consume the chemical.  Instead, I became intrigued by their behavior and took their photograph.

I believe there are three of the Mud Daubers in the picture.  I don't know for certain what they were doing but after reading some about them I suspect they were searching for food -- either tiny insects or possibly nectar from the flowers.  I think it likely they were providing a beneficial service.  I don't really know enough to know what I don't know in this case -- just like in the case of some human behavior.

 Rainy Day

It is sometimes nice to have a rainy day.  We have been spending most mornings out working on our place despite the heat and humidity.  At least the mornings are a little cooler than the afternoons.

A light, steady rain is falling as I sit here with a cup of coffee and express a few random thoughts in this blog.  I must admit that I don't really have anything profound to say, but this morning may be worse than normal.  I am rambling.

I hear birds calling among the trees despite the rain.  Maybe they are happy for the coolness and perhaps needed a shower.  I wonder if I should put soap and a towel out by the bird bath....

There are a Cardinal and a Downey Woodpecker in the Sweetgum Tree just outside my window.  The rain doesn't seem to be bothering them.  In fact, they seem joyful if birds can experience such feelings.

I suppose that is the lesson for the day.  Be joyful in all circumstances.  Sounds Biblical.

It has seen a lot of wear and been with me for many years.  It is getting a little bit scarred and stained, but it keeps the coffee hot.

 Navigating Complexity

It is sometimes easy to get "bogged down" when dealing with complex problems.  There is a tendency to become overwhelmed when resolution is not quickly attainable.  Our minds have a tendency to fasten onto the myriads of difficulties rather focusing on individual component parts that are solvable.

I have found that is usually effective to begin by breaking down the problems into discrete, manageable pieces and then taking them one at a time.  It is desirable that they be evaluated according to either importance, or ease of solution and then prioritized accordingly.

When we look first at importance, solution of one problem often goes far in solving other related issues.  However, those large problems often bring a level of difficulty that leads to discouragement and half-hearted effort because our minds continually tell us we can't do it.  Extended periods with seeming lack of progress create a psychological barrier that adds to the burden of what must be overcome for success.

If we begin with smaller problems that are easily handled, we often create a pattern of success that bolsters our mental attitude.  We see the wins -- even the small wins -- as progress.  As each problem is handled and set aside, the list gets smaller and the tendency to be overwhelmed is reduced.

How we approach complexity boils down to a mental game we play with ourselves.  The trick is to convince ourselves that we can solve the problems and then retain that positive attitude throughout the process.  It isn't as simple as it sounds because some problems require Herculean effort to solve.  They may be beyond our ability.  Once you recognize that, you call for help.

The Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus) is a type of mallow.  It is native to East, South and Central Texas where it is sometimes found growing along streams.  It is adaptable to both shaded and sunny locations.  The variety you see below is a domesticated one we have planted at our home.  The wild varieties are usually red.  I like the complexity of the blossom.

 AI-driven Dreaming

This morning I awoke from a dream that seemed to be lengthy and intense.  It was as though I was having a long conversation with an expert who was explaining something to me.  He was explaining that we are in a state of electronic warfare on a global scale and went on to describe the various ways that it was playing out and affecting all of us.

We discussed things like isolation from the Internet, shielding of sensitive computer hardware and we talked about AI data centers.  I got the sense that those AI data centers are the weapons of the next phase of the war.  Some will be defensive and some offensive in nature.  They are mostly being located in rural areas due to the threat of conventional or nuclear weapons against them.  Those locations expose smaller segments of the population to the potential collateral damage.

It was just a dream.  It was my mind attempting to make sense of the random information with which we are daily bombarded.  It was a dream that makes sense in the light of day.  Many dreams don't.

As I have mentioned many times, I enjoy dreams and look forward to them.  I believe our minds often do their best work while we dream.  I believe we all dream but some are more tuned to those dreams than others.  Even our dog dreams as he lies down in some of the strangest places.  I wish I could go to sleep and dream as easily as he does.

 Fields of Clover

Clover is often associated with wealth, prosperity and good fortune.  This is especially true of a four-leaf clover which is considered to be rare.  Clover symbolizes that "all is right with the world."

Clover is an interesting perennial that grows lush with the coming of spring rains.  It fixes nitrogen in the soil which is then bio-available to grasses and forbs which need it for proper growth and health.  It is highly palatable to grazing animals and is an excellent source of protein which is needed for the growth and health of those animals.

It creates a soft carpet that is pleasurable to walk in barefooted.  People have been known to lie down in it due to the pleasant smells and softness of the natural blanket it provides.

City dwellers don't like clover growing in their manicured monoculture lawns that use tons of water and mine the soils of their nutrients.  On the other hand, those who raise grazing animals generally love it for the benefits it provides.  That attitude is just one of many that divides the thoughts of those who take comfort from the proximity of many people to those who are most comfortable with solitude.

Solitude typically is only comfortable for those who have accepted themselves as they are.  It is for those who are secure in their being rather always seeking solace in the company of others.  Solitude is a place of communion with God.

I like to see clover growing in the meadow.  It brings with it a sense of peace.

Below is a picture of White Clover (Trifolium repens) growing on our place.  It is one of the most widely cultivated clovers worldwide and is a highly desirable forage crop.  If in need, the plant can be consumed by humans as well.  It is high in proteins and is sometimes mixed into salads.  Boiling it for about 10 minutes makes it more easily digestible.  (No, I haven't tried it, but it is good to know should an emergency arise.)  White Clover is known to occasionally produce the four-leaf configuration.  I didn't see any in the photo below.

 Fostering Uncertainty

"Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating." -- Carl von Clausewitz

Arriving at a point of certainty is a sure indicator that we have stopped learning and have dismissed any new information that might inform our opinion of outcome as otherwise.  -- me

I want to always be learning.  I desire that those around me be learning.  I want to be around people who are curious, who are looking at things in new ways and constantly aware that there might be better ways to do things.  I want questions that probe current understanding.  I want uncertainty.

That seems a strange thing to desire -- uncertainty.  Most of us want a blanket of security in knowing with certainty what the day holds.  It is an unrealistic expectation.  Safety and security are illusory.

I believe businesses need to foster a level of uncertainty and I believe our educational systems need to do the same.  The fires of curiosity must constantly be fanned -- not always to a blazing heat, but at least to a constant glowing ember that can be brought to flame with addition of new fuel.  Growth is found in curiosity.  Without curiosity we slowly fade.

I am uncertain what the flower pictured below is.  My best guess is that it is a Soft Golden-aster (Chrysopsis pilosa).  It was growing near our entry, and I thought it was very photogenic.  If you have a more accurate identity, please add it in the comments.