Randomness: A Circular Argument (Part 2)

iii. On Mathematics and Creativity:

Although aesthetics are certainly esteemed, creativity is popularly under-rated and often ignored in its role in the advancement of mathematics. An equation has beauty to those capable of appreciating its subtle qualities. These aspects may be even further refined by creative insight. Mathematics could not advance without creativity. Hence, the machine is stagnant at best. Each roll of God's dice is done with a different die. Some statistical observations may require the universe as a backdrop, whereas the creative mind sees beyond. Patterns exist even in chaotic systems, and not entirely at random. The creative may intuit unforeseen patterns, leaping beyond the seemingly random. A cognitive failure may require a different creative impulse or process. In truth, perhaps nothing remains to be seen at all, being inconsequential or possibly truly chaotic. Randomness may often prove to be either those things impossible for the mind to grasp, or inconsequential. A machine could not differentiate between the two extremes without being told beforehand. A mind is greater, lesser and different from a machine.

iv. On Mathematics and Chance:

"Pure" chance would often yield little worthwhile, except phenomena so improbable as to be impossible. All the air in a room spontaneously rushing to a small corner would be interesting, but it isn't going to happen. Being part of an open-ended list, all factors may not always be accounted. Care must be taken to filter the garbage and save the worthwhile. An inkblot requires universal symbolism for any useful purpose in psychological evaluations. Most purely random stains would have little value except perhaps as abstract artistic expression. The cryptic differs from the calculated, while both may be manipulated to suite, in respective common references. Profound genius and idiotic babbling may be either, unless the capability exists for the recognition of the sublime. The deciding factor may only be a matter of degree. Anything truly random could be potentially grand, or plainly stupid. The wise know the difference. Idiots just follow the most agreeable (or disagreeable) presentation scripted to exploit weak minds to maximum advantage in all things. Sometimes the best lessons are learned by complete failure of comprehension. At least, one knows nothing. Often, a tool is first misused, then taken for granted and dangerously neglected. Balance is placed aside for the illusion of greener pastures like progress. A paradox may often be a matter of the failure to recognize that both can be neither. Despite futile efforts to ignore or bend it to ridiculous whims, the universe exists as part and apart from the human intellect. Cause and effect may be the same. God does not exist, because we demand it. Our own lies often limit growth to the highest degree. Complexity may overwhelm, or be focused for our betterment or maximum advantage. The essentials need elevating above the mire, which requires a capacity for expansion, growth and maturity. Otherwise, intellectual debate is random, meaningless and pedantic. This important faculty becomes inconsequential through neglect. Sublime creativity requires more than inane prattling of a pretentious elite, or the data streams of machines. Else, the wheel turns within wheels, but goes absolutely nowhere. Ironically, most would comment loudly on the speed of its passing.

–1996 - January 1, 2001