Chaos Theory

"A butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon can end up causing a typhoon in Singapore."

That--or something like that--is a metaphor used to exemplify chaos theory, but people misinterpret the theory, thinking that it means that all things are connected in a highly complex yet identifiable way. They are, but chaos theory really means that small changes in initial conditions can add up to highly complex and enormous differences in end results, thus making long-term prediction impossible (under present science and math applications.)

"Small changes in initial conditions." There was a song long ago that said "Little things mean a lot." They are both accurate and they both indicate--and the evidence is conclusive--that individual actions can and do add up to effect change.

The Jenius here has long advocated the power of choice, specifically, the power each of Us has to make a decision and make a difference. The problem with that notion is that all too few of Us believe it.

Now I'm not talking about the semi-mythical, if not outright fabricated, example of something like giving a bum a dollar and setting him on a path to becoming a brain surgeon who saves the life of your grandchild. But the notion, the concept, of a person's action becoming part of a stream of actions that change the immediate world is a powerful one, and unlike a lot of stories (like the birth of someone important worthy of annual commemoration happening on December 25th), this notion is true.

And notice what is needed: an action. Not words (though they may serve), not thoughts (unexpressed they aren't even words) and certainly not indifference: action. You take an action that may be entirely neutral and that action changes the initial conditions and thus creates the opportunity for a different level of outcomes in the future.

A teacher adds reading material to her classroom that gives a few students a deeper interest in science.
 
A father turns down an undeserved reward and his children experience the value of integrity.

A politician thinks "Just this once" and changes his vote to favor an industry that now competes unfairly.

A policeman angrily hits an unarmed suspect while a wide-eyed child watches from a darkened doorway.

We hear about the last two types of actions, in a dizzying myriad of ways and in a nauseatingly constant stream. We seldom hear about the first two types, except at small gatherings when the conversation is private or in a story book, fiction replacing fact, Art limiting Life.

You need Me to tell you this: It doesn't have to be that way. I need to tell you this because the message isn't getting out there and We need that to happen. So I'll say it, not only from belief, but to add My butterfly moment at this time. What happens now is not up to Me: it is up to you.

The initial conditions We started under have changed. Where will you--where will We--see them end up?



The Jenius Has Spoken.