So why are fractals relevant? Besides giving one a modest glimpse into infinity, some propose that fractals (which are basically patterns that build upon themselves by repeating those same patterns to achieve higher complexity) are actually the best way to describe reality. There are those that believe the physical 3D Universe, Time, Multidimensionality, and Consciousness can all be defined, or at least accurately described, by applying ‘fractal geometry.’ This idea, for the most part, is touched upon in
Fractal Cosmology.
So how exactly are these things fractal? One factor is that of
scale. The other is that of an
observational and discerning perspective which infers the varying physical scales relatively to one another. Our consciousness provides that perspective.
The physical universe, from the microcosm to the macrocosm, could be described as one pattern repeated on a wide-ranging scale. Given what we’ve been able to observe of our surroundings, both here on Earth and beyond, what we’ve learned so far points to the repetition of matter and energy along with an accompanying transfer of complexity from one state to another. The sub-atomic realms lead to atomic structure, then to the molecules and chemicals which make physical matter. That in turn comprises planets, stars, galaxies, galactic clusters, the entire physical universe, multiverse, and then whatever lies beyond.
Similar to the 3D universe, time can also be looked upon as a fractal, that is, layer upon layer of cycles of duration. The factors of scale and observation are likewise crucial in defining these cycles as fractal. The motion of objects at varying physical scales gives rise to individual timescales, and then each level can be experienced accordingly by whatever consciousness resides there. We experience localized individual consciousnesses and are only beginning to comprehend what a group, and higher still, a planetary consciousness might experience. So perhaps each fractal level of space-scale has its own time-scale. Civilizations on the brink of achieving global consciousness would also be on the verge of a new
time.
Then there is the higher dimensionality aspect, which I believe is fractal as well, though that obviously remains to be ascertained. M-Theory, which unifies previous string theories and supposedly defines the entire multidimensional nature of the universe is based on 11 dimensions. For the universe, multiverse, or
existence to be dimensionally fractal, there would have to be endless dimensional realms, endless parallel worlds, and perhaps even infinite timelines.
Intimately linked to all the above is consciousness (the observant state of being or data-pool housing information and intent). Without consciousness, the varying levels of the fractal would serve no purpose, and there would be no driving force continually seeking out complexity in the dying universe. Consciousness seems to defy the second law of thermodynamics in that the path to entropy is reversed where there is in fact a gathering of information which itself is approaching infinity as opposed to the physical universe cooling and dispersing towards absolute zero. Perhaps consciousness is not an isolated system, but an all-purveying system, therefore it cannot even be compared to the physical universe. Whatever the case, consciousness must also exist at varying levels which are all built up from the previous – see the graphic below:
When the space, time, all dimensions, and consciousness are combined, you then more than likely get an undefinable macro-fractal structure (in something not unlike the Mandelbulb). Either this continues forever in both directions of scale to the unimaginably big the incomprehensibly small, or perhaps it ‘loops around’ meaning, once you reach the top of the size scale you find yourself peeping back into the deep sub-atomic realms (like traveling around the world to only end up where you started). So instead of being limited to the physical realm, perhaps this looping happens in space, time, parallel dimensions, and consciousness.
A rotating
Toroidal Structure could provide this infinite 'looping' making the scale seem endless:
Check out this image of a mice brain compared with a 3D render of the universe:
larger version
By comparing ‘fractal layers’ on very different scales we’re able to see similarities we never dreamed possible.
Mandelbrot to Mandelbulb - 3D Infinity
