Recursion: How To Use Patterns For Simplicity

Recursion is when the definition of a concept or process depends on a simpler or previous version of itself. It is the process a procedure undergoes when one of the steps of the procedure is the procedure itself. When a procedure is recursive then, it creates an endless loop. In simpler terms, it is when a solution to a problem depends on solutions to smaller instances of the same problem. It’s a fundamental in mathematics, computer science, and various other systems where complex tasks are distilled into simpler, self-referential steps.

Recursion presents itself in various real-world situations. Nature and growth patterns, for instance, where recurring patterns form at various scales like snowflakes or tree branches. In society, hierarchical structures within companies resemble recursive patterns—departments within departments within sub-departments. Supply chains are recursive, involving ever-smaller production and distribution systems. Problem-solving tends to be recursive, applied by repeatedly analyzing a problem from a higher and smaller perspective to identify solutions. In daily living, recipes often involve recursive steps, like making a base sauce only to cook it again in a larger dish.

The crux of recursion is its simplicity. It simplifies the implementation of problems involving any repetitive task. They are easier to understand and scale as systems. Though recursion can be a resource-intensive strategy. Sometimes copying the same thing over and over again is not optimal, either, so poorly applied recursion can backfire.

Real life implications of recursion:

• Education: learning a new skill includes cycles of practice, feedback, and refinement, like learning piano and mastering the individual pieces recursively, later merging them into a greater whole;

• Business: in recursive decision-making, a company might assess it’s goals at different levels in the firm, ensuring that each individual department is on top of the strategy and objective;

• Psychology: recursive feedback loops can help identify and overcome core beliefs by challenging surface-level thoughts, be they positive or negative;

• Design: recursive patterns are often used in designs, such as modular furniture or urban planning.

How you might apply recursion as a thinking tool: (1) decompose problems, breaking complexity into small, manageable sub-problems that you can solve and combining the results in the end; (2) define clear stopping conditions to ensure you do not get into an infinite loop or waste unnecessary resources, like by setting boundaries in negotiations to know when to conclude them; (3) use recursion to refine your ideas incrementally, such as by writing a book by recursively revising chapters, paragraphs, and sentences; (4) adopt fractal thinking, applying similarity across designs to make systems that function cohesively and consistently across all scales and/or platforms, like ensuring that your business values are upheld from the top brass to entry-level employees.

Thought-provoking insights. “The whole is in the part, and the part is in the whole.” sums up what recursion is, capturing the essence of a self-similar system. “To solve the big problem, solve the smaller problem first.” is a simple reminder that highlights the utility gained by breaking complex challenges into manageable steps. “Nature’s simplest designs are often it’s most elegant, and recursion is it’s language.” reflects how recursion permeates both natural and artificial systems. By mastering recursion, you gain the ability to turn complexity into simplicity. It is an indispensable tool across disciplines. What you can turn into a repeatable pattern, do so.