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The Fundamentals of Syndex

Introduction

Syndex had its genesis in the inspirations of a man named Robert Marshall. It was carefully honed over many years of prologed study into the nature of number. It is both influenced by and contributes much to Buckminster Fuller's "Synergetics", another system of mathematics that captures many fundamental patterns of Nature. However, one does not necessarily need to be familar with these works in order to understand Syndex.

There is a richness and complexity to the Syndex system as a whole, but the most general aspects of it can be easily described. We will endeavor to do that here. This is not intended to be a replacement for the books or websites on Syndex, but merely a supplement. Hopefully, it can help to make clear their very important contents.

Basic Terminology

Before exploring the mathematics itself, we must introduce some of the basic terminology used throughout Syndex...

Syndex ["Syn~ Codex"] - The prefix "syn~" means variously "with", "together with", "at the same time", and "by means of". It is at the root of many words important to Syndex, such as "syntropy", "synergy", "synchronicity", and "synthesis". We will define each of these in turn...

"Entropy" is the tendency for a system to "go into equilibrium". In some instances, this would mean disorder and decay. "Syntropy" (also sometimes called "negentropy", short for "negative entropy") is an increase in order. It describes processes that continuously grow in complexity rather than decay. To give some examples:

• People are "syntropic" because they continually increase in order, growing from embryoes into vastly complex human beings. We keep a stable internal environment through our metabolic processes (e.g.: we regularly convert air, water, and food into flesh).

• Our interpersonal communications and social systems can be "syntropic" because they continually evolve and adapt to changing circumstance, and hopefully, grow ever more constructive through these experiences.

"Synergy" is when systems exhibit behavior that is "greater than the sum of its parts". For example, everyone knows that when we work together, our power is multiplied! ☺

This is also sometimes related to what are called "emergent properties" (i.e.: characteristics that seem to emerge "spontaneously" during the process of a thing's unfolding, rather than deduced as a consequence of something else, like a linear sequence of cause and effect). This phenomenon can be due to "synchronicity".

"Synchronicity" is when seemingly separate things function in parallel, rather than one being directly the cause of the other. They may influence one another at a distance, interact directly, or even converge in their purposes. Therefore, things can also "sync up" or "synchronize" with each other (i.e.: operate simultaneously to one another and with each contributing something complementary to the whole).

It must always be kept in mind that, while "reductionism" (the act of disassembling a thing in order to understand it) can be very useful, it is not always possible, or even desirable. It must be tempered by "holism" (seeing a thing as a whole and/or as an aspect of a larger framework). It requires a mindset that "synthesizes" (i.e.: one that unites seemingly disparate parts into a harmoniously consistent whole, a "synthesis").

The suffix "~dex" is probably derived from the word "codex", as in a manuscript. Therefore, Syndex is a grand "synthesis", a way to put into symbolic form these patterns of "syntropy", "synergy", and "synchronicity" in order to get the human mind to "sync up" with Nature.

Numeronomy ["Law of Number"] - This is the idea that numbers are inherently rational (i.e.: logical, readily displaying their properties by how they interact).

The patterns that numbers make in relation to one another are geometrical in nature. In other words, shape is automatically implied, being intrinsic to number itself. And in order for there to be such recognizable patterns throughout the entire continuum of numbers, then it must be finite on some level. There is some well-defined "container" into which numbers can be meaningfully classified.

Psychologically, realization of this brings coherence to our way of thinking and feeling. Number is seen as "pre-linguistic" (existing before spoken language) and embodying a "perfect syntax" (an archetypal or cosmic principle of ordering). Therefore, numbers can help us to get a deeper understanding of reality both inside and out.

Through reason, we are capable of becoming aware of the Creative Intelligence underlying, not only all matter, but also the structure of our very thoughts and feelings. This in turn can amplify one's faith (i.e.: an intuitive grasping of this Creative Intelligence). These two aspects, reason and intuition, are perfectly complementary. Science and spirituality can work together!

One who uses number in such a manner is referred to as a Numeronomist.

Synchrographics ["Synchronized Graphics"] - The application of Numeronomy by demonstrating the connection between number and geometry. One does this by making diagrams that embody the maximum amount of information in the minimum amount of space. Many of the patterns in Syndex are demonstrated visually, with graphics that "synchronize" quantity and quality.

...Now, let's explore the math together!

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