13
However, when we use the network of the regenerative-adaptive pattern language, we always use
it in a sequence moving from the higher patterns in the hierarchy towards the lower patterns and their
connected entities in the language. The sequence in the network can flow both ways between the
upward and the downward links, and interconnect between the other entities such as the forces that are
continuously present, the centres formed in the dynamics of time, transformations specific to place,
the core patterns embedded within communities, and so on. This sequence is further explained in
Chap. 10, and applied and demonstrated in Chap. 11.
The reader will notice many simple sketches, diagrams and illustrations throughout this book, and
in the use of the regenerative-adaptive pattern language. Their purpose is to visually represent the
pattern or entity in a simple form while attempting to address the gaps in the traditional language of
words and writing, which is inadequate to describe the complexities of the phenomena behind the
pattern language. As Alexander (1964) puts it:
The idea of a diagram [of a pattern] is very simple. It is an abstract pattern of physical relationships, which
resolve a small system of interacting and conflicting forces, and is independent of all other forces, and of all other
possible diagrams. The idea that is possible to create such abstract relationships one at a time, and to create
designs, which are whole by fusing these relationships …. (Alexander, 1964, p. i)
1.9 Conclusion Statement
In this introductory chapter we begin with that part of the regenerative-adaptive pattern language that
defines the consideration of The Whole [1], describing the critical issues we face as a global society,
and how a new manner of thinking needs to be adopted if humanity wants to survive. This requirement
is clearly reflected in the words of Einstein:
A human being is part of the whole called by us the universe, a part limited in time and space. We experience
ourselves, our thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest, a kind of optical illusion of consciousness … Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all
living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if
humanity is to survive (Einstein, 1950, as quoted in The New York Times, 29 March 1972).
Therefore:
If we want to move beyond a damaging, anthropogenic-dominant, nature-destructive global society, we need to consider the whole and acknowledge that including the fundamentals of wholeness is
a deeper, all-encompassing response to sustainable development.
1.10 Fundamental Pattern 1
The Whole [1]
The universe, the earth, the biosphere, the biotic and abiotic matter, sentient beings along
with all their systems and parts, constitute a complex unity of networks, an organised coherent
system of many parts fitting and working together as one, to create wholeness and making up
the whole. All living systems are part of a larger interconnected whole, and are part of an integral existence (Fig. 1.6).
Downward links:
The resilience of both humans and the natural environment in the future will depend on a new approach and
thinking for sustainable development, where the consideration of The Whole [1] will be core to a new global
Integral Sustainable Worldview [2] …
1.10 Fundamental Pattern 1
However, when we use the network of the regenerative-adaptive pattern language, we always use
it in a sequence moving from the higher patterns in the hierarchy towards the lower patterns and their
connected entities in the language. The sequence in the network can flow both ways between the
upward and the downward links, and interconnect between the other entities such as the forces that are
continuously present, the centres formed in the dynamics of time, transformations specific to place,
the core patterns embedded within communities, and so on. This sequence is further explained in
Chap. 10, and applied and demonstrated in Chap. 11.
The reader will notice many simple sketches, diagrams and illustrations throughout this book, and
in the use of the regenerative-adaptive pattern language. Their purpose is to visually represent the
pattern or entity in a simple form while attempting to address the gaps in the traditional language of
words and writing, which is inadequate to describe the complexities of the phenomena behind the
pattern language. As Alexander (1964) puts it:
The idea of a diagram [of a pattern] is very simple. It is an abstract pattern of physical relationships, which
resolve a small system of interacting and conflicting forces, and is independent of all other forces, and of all other
possible diagrams. The idea that is possible to create such abstract relationships one at a time, and to create
designs, which are whole by fusing these relationships …. (Alexander, 1964, p. i)
1.9 Conclusion Statement
In this introductory chapter we begin with that part of the regenerative-adaptive pattern language that
defines the consideration of The Whole [1], describing the critical issues we face as a global society,
and how a new manner of thinking needs to be adopted if humanity wants to survive. This requirement
is clearly reflected in the words of Einstein:
A human being is part of the whole called by us the universe, a part limited in time and space. We experience
ourselves, our thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest, a kind of optical illusion of consciousness … Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all
living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if
humanity is to survive (Einstein, 1950, as quoted in The New York Times, 29 March 1972).
Therefore:
If we want to move beyond a damaging, anthropogenic-dominant, nature-destructive global society, we need to consider the whole and acknowledge that including the fundamentals of wholeness is
a deeper, all-encompassing response to sustainable development.
1.10 Fundamental Pattern 1
The Whole [1]
The universe, the earth, the biosphere, the biotic and abiotic matter, sentient beings along
with all their systems and parts, constitute a complex unity of networks, an organised coherent
system of many parts fitting and working together as one, to create wholeness and making up
the whole. All living systems are part of a larger interconnected whole, and are part of an integral existence (Fig. 1.6).
Downward links:
The resilience of both humans and the natural environment in the future will depend on a new approach and
thinking for sustainable development, where the consideration of The Whole [1] will be core to a new global
Integral Sustainable Worldview [2] …
1.10 Fundamental Pattern 1