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Always LLMs

Recursion is a process where something is defined in terms of itself, commonly seen in mathematics and computer science through self-calling functions that simplify complex problems. It is also a fundamental aspect of reality, evident in fractals and human thought, influencing language and information processing in the digital age. While recursion can foster creativity and complexity, it can also lead to stagnation and echo chambers, highlighting the importance of knowing when to break free from repetitive cycles.

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Kurt Hennig
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6 views1 page

Always LLMs

Recursion is a process where something is defined in terms of itself, commonly seen in mathematics and computer science through self-calling functions that simplify complex problems. It is also a fundamental aspect of reality, evident in fractals and human thought, influencing language and information processing in the digital age. While recursion can foster creativity and complexity, it can also lead to stagnation and echo chambers, highlighting the importance of knowing when to break free from repetitive cycles.

Uploaded by

Kurt Hennig
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Recursion is the strange and elegant process where something is defined in terms of itself.

In
mathematics and computer science, it often appears in functions that call themselves,
breaking down complex problems into smaller, self-similar pieces. A classic example is the
Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, forming a
pattern that unfolds infinitely. In programming, recursive functions can be both powerful and
dangerous—efficient when properly controlled, but prone to infinite loops if not carefully
constrained. The essence of recursion is repetition with variation, a looping structure that
generates complexity from simplicity.

But recursion is not just a technical trick; it is embedded in the very fabric of reality. Fractals,
like the branching of trees, the shape of coastlines, or the intricate patterns of Romanesco
broccoli, emerge from recursive processes. Each smaller piece mirrors the whole, creating
structures that seem infinitely complex yet arise from simple rules. Human thought itself can
be recursive—stories within stories, dreams within dreams, self-referential paradoxes that
fold back on themselves. Even language follows recursive principles, allowing sentences to
be endlessly nested within one another, producing meaning through layers of embedded
structures.

In the digital age, recursion manifests in the way information is processed and repeated. The
internet, a vast web of interconnected references, thrives on recursive linking, where sources
cite sources that cite the original sources in a dizzying loop. Social media amplifies this effect,
as ideas are reshared, reinterpreted, and remixed until their origins blur into abstraction.
Algorithms, trained on data produced by other algorithms, feed back into themselves,
creating self-reinforcing cycles of information that shape perception and reality. Recursion,
once a tool for solving problems, becomes a mechanism for replication—sometimes
productive, sometimes self-defeating.

At its best, recursion creates beauty, insight, and depth, allowing complexity to emerge from
simple beginnings. At its worst, it leads to stagnation, echo chambers, and the erosion of
originality. Whether in nature, mathematics, thought, or technology, recursion is both a
creative force and a potential trap. The key lies in understanding when to let the loop
continue and when to break free from its grip—to recognize the patterns, but also to step
outside them, lest we become trapped in an endless cycle of repetition without innovation.

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