A fractal is a pattern that is defined by self-similarity: it has the same shape at all scales. Clouds, mountains, and coastlines all follow a fractal pattern: no matter how far you zoom out or how close you zoom in, you will see a similar pattern.
Fractal patterns are growth patterns; they are created by iteration, like the growth of a snail shell. They approximate nature more closely than traditional geometry. There are no perfect circles and squares in nature, but fractal patterns abound.
Fractals can help you understand complex systems and complexity in general. They can help explain a lot of phenomena you encounter in daily life.
Can you recognize a fractal pattern in your situation? Is it a natural, living system, or does it resemble one? Does it repeat at small and large scales? Do small parts resemble the whole?
See also: Org chart, Puzzle, Peeling the onion.
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