"There is a strong tendency in explanatory prose to invoke quantities of tension, energy, and whatnot to explain the genesis of pattern. I believe that all such explanations are inappropriate or wrong"
- Gregory Bateson
About this Quote
This quote by Gregory Bateson is a critique of the tendency to discuss the emergence of patterns by invoking abstract concepts such as tension, energy, and other such ideas. He believes that these descriptions are unsuitable or incorrect, as they do not supply a concrete description for the emergence of patterns. Rather, he recommends that the development of patterns need to be explained by looking at the underlying causes and conditions that cause the emergence of the pattern. He thinks that descriptions ought to be based on concrete evidence and realities, rather than abstract principles. By doing so, we can acquire a better understanding of the patterns that emerge in our world.
"First, I want to pay tribute to Diana myself. She was an exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness. I admired and respected her - for her energy and commitment to others, and especially for her devotion to her two boys"
"Don't be afraid to fail. Don't waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It's OK to fail. If you're not failing, you're not growing"
"We don't attempt to have any theme for a number of the anthology, or to have any particular sequence. We just put in things that we like, and then we try to alternate the prose and the poetry"
"Oh, the miraculous energy that flows between two people who care enough to get beyond surfaces and games, who are willing to take the risks of being totally open, of listening, of responding with the whole heart. How much we can do for each other"
"I learned very early that an audience would relax and look at things differently if they felt they could laugh with you from time to time. There's an energy that comes through the release of tension that is laughter"
"It is the lot of man to share in the deeper aspirations of the universe around him and to share his own destiny as well as that of the universe, now by adjusting himself to its forces, now by putting the whole of his energy to his own ends and purposes"
