A Systems Theory of Observer-Dependence, Fractal Reality, and Evolutionary Fit

The Unnatural Paradox

Abstract

This paper synthesizes systems theory, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology to argue that natural systems operate independently of human belief, while unnatural systems require recursive observer-dependence for persistence (the "Unnatural Paradox"). Drawing on fractal mathematics (Mandelbrot, 1982), embodied cognition (Varela et al., 1991), and the free-energy principle (Friston, 2010), we demonstrate that: (1) human prefrontal cortex (PFC) abstraction enables the invention of unnatural systems (e.g., capitalism, binary logic); (2) these systems are metastable, relying on fear and conceptualized loss (Sapolsky, 2017); and (3) natural systems—governed by evolutionary fit and closed-loop materiality—outcompete unnatural ones over sufficient timescales. The thesis "Mother Nature does not force belief in the unnatural" is supported by empirical evidence from neurobiology, anthropology, and complex systems theory.

Keywords: systems theory, observer-dependence, evolutionary fit, unnatural systems, fractal cognition

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1. Introduction

Humanity uniquely constructs and maintains systems that defy evolutionary logic—capitalism, punitive legal frameworks, and digital abstractions—all reliant on recursive belief . These "unnatural systems" (see Table 1) contrast with natural systems, which persist without observer participation (e.g., photosynthesis, predator-prey cycles). This paper posits that unnatural systems are metastable byproducts of PFC overclocking (Gazzaniga, 2018), inherently fragile due to their violation of fractal reality and thermodynamic efficiency.

Thesis: Mother Nature neither enforces nor sustains unnatural systems; their persistence depends entirely on human belief and fear-based control.

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2. Theoretical Framework

2.1 Natural vs. Unnatural Systems

Building on von Bertalanffy’s (1968) general systems theory, we define:

• Natural Systems: Emergent, fractal, and observer-independent (e.g., ecosystems, circadian rhythms).

  • Evolutionary Fit: Optimized for energy efficiency (Friston, 2010).

• Unnatural Systems: Require recursive belief (e.g., money, borders, AI ethics).

  • Dependence on Fear: Coercion via conceptualized loss (Sapolsky, 2017).

2.2 The PFC Kernel Hypothesis

The human PFC renders simulated realities (Raichle, 2015), enabling:

• Time Projection: Fear of future loss (Gilbert, 2006).

• Binary Abstraction: Rigid categories (good/evil, owned/wild) (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980).

Figure 1 - Fractal vs. Binary Cognition

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3. Evidence for the Thesis

3.1 Fractal Reality vs. Human Binaries

Natural systems exhibit scale-free self-similarity (Mandelbrot, 1982), whereas unnatural systems impose binaries:

• Agricultural Shift: From spectrum-based foraging to owned/not-owned land (Scott, 2017).

• Axial Age Morality: Good/evil dichotomies (Jaspers, 1953).

3.2 Energy Inefficiency of Unnatural Systems

• Neurobiological Cost: Fear of loss increases cortisol, depleting PFC resources (Arnsten, 2015).

• Systemic Waste: Capitalism’s externalized costs (e.g., climate change) violate closed-loop materiality (Rockström et al., 2009).

3.3 Collapse of Unnatural Systems

Historical case studies:

• Roman Empire: Currency devaluation → hyperinflation (Tainter, 1988).

• 2008 Financial Crisis: Recursive belief in housing markets failed (Minsky, 1986).

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4. Discussion

4.1 The Unnatural Paradox

Unnatural systems are self-terminating:

1. They demand unsustainable belief energy.

2. They generate entropy (e.g., inequality, ecological rift).

3. Natural systems (e.g., climate, human health) ultimately reject them.

4.2 Pathways to Realignment

• Cognitive Rewilding: Emulate Indigenous relational thinking (Berkes, 2012).

• Fractal Design: Biomimicry in economics (Raworth, 2017).

Table 1 - Taxonomy of Natural vs. Unnatural

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5. Conclusion

Mother Nature’s systems thrive without belief; unnatural systems are temporary hallucinations of the PFC kernel. The arc of evolution favors systems aligning with fractal harmony, distributed agency, and evolutionary fit. Future research must quantify the metabolic toll of unnatural recursion and design systems that resist binary collapse.

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References:

• Arnsten, A. F. (2015). Stress weakens prefrontal networks. Molecular Psychiatry, 20(2), 137–151.

• Berkes, F. (2012). Sacred ecology. Routledge.

• Friston, K. (2010). The free-energy principle. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(2), 127–138.

• Gilbert, D. (2006). Stumbling on happiness. Knopf.

• Minsky, H. (1986). Stabilizing an unstable economy. Yale UP.

• Rockström, J., et al. (2009). Planetary boundaries. Nature, 461(7263), 472–475.

• Scott, J. (2017). Against the grain. Yale UP.

• Tainter, J. (1988). Collapse of complex societies. Cambridge UP.

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