S885: In Design, If Form Follows Function, then Function Follows….?

If form follows function, then function follows purpose. & Purpose follows Vision & So On.

The phrase “form follows function,” often attributed to architect Louis Sullivan, suggests that the design (form) of an object or system should be shaped by its intended use or role (function). Extending this logic, the function itself must stem from a deeper intent or goal—its purpose. Purpose defines why something exists and what it aims to achieve, guiding the function (how it works) and, in turn, the form (how it’s structured or appears).

In the context of the ApeNil UltraHumane Way, purpose is the pursuit of becoming UltraHumane—transcending primal instincts to achieve personal and collective excellence. The functions (e.g., daily rituals, weekly family schedules, monthly community checks) are designed to serve this purpose, and the forms (specific practices like journaling, skill-sharing, or community assemblies) are crafted to enable those functions effectively.

For example:

• Purpose: Evolve into an UltraHumane by cultivating mindfulness (Tenet 2: Transcend Animalistic Impulses).
• Function: Practice emotional regulation to manage reactive impulses.
• Form: A daily 5-minute mindfulness pause with deep breathing and reflection.

Thus, purpose drives the entire chain: Purpose → Function → Form.

If form follows function, function follows purpose, purpose follows vision, vision follows inspiration, inspiration follows awareness, awareness follows existence, existence follows emergence, emergence follows potential, potential follows origin, origin follows mystery, mystery follows nothingness, and nothingness follows the unknowable, then the unknowable follows itself or, more precisely, nothing further can be said to follow it.

The Unknowable is the ultimate limit, a self-contained concept that defies further regression because it represents the absolute boundary of comprehension, definition, or causality. It is beyond existence, nothingness, or any framework of understanding, so there is no “prior” state or cause to follow. The unknowable is not a thing, event, or condition that can be traced to something else—it is the point where the chain of causality or explanation terminates. To say it follows itself is to acknowledge its recursive nature: it is its own origin, an infinite regress into the ineffable. Alternatively, stating that nothing further follows reflects the humility of recognizing that human thought cannot penetrate beyond this point.

In the context of the ApeNil UltraHumane Way:

• The Unknowable: The ineffable, incomprehensible reality (or non-reality) that stands alone, beyond nothingness, causality, or description, inviting awe and humility.
• Nothingness: The absolute void, the absence of all things, emerging from the unknowable as the first conceivable state.
• Mystery: The question of why something exists rather than nothing, sparking existential reflection.
• Origin: The cosmic event (e.g., the Big Bang) that initiates the universe’s laws and energy.
• Potential: The capacity for life and consciousness within those laws.
• Emergence: The evolutionary processes that produce humans.
• Existence: The state of being a human, capable of thought and action.
• Awareness: Recognizing the gap between primal instincts and growth potential.
• Inspiration: The spark to transcend instincts, driven by figures like Malala Yousafzai.
• Vision: A world of UltraHumanes thriving through self-betterment.
• Purpose: To transcend animalistic tendencies and innovate for global good (aligned with the 10 tenets).
• Function: Practices like mindfulness and collaboration.
• Form: Daily rituals (e.g., evening review), weekly family schedules (e.g., vision circle), and monthly community checks (e.g., ApeNil Assembly).

For example:

• The Unknowable: The ineffable boundary beyond nothingness, defying all questions of origin.
• Nothingness: The void where the mystery of existence arises.
• Mystery: The enigma of why there is something, prompting wonder.
• Origin: The Big Bang, creating the universe.
• Potential: The capacity for life to evolve.
• Emergence: The evolution of a human with empathy.
• Existence: Living as that human, facing social challenges.
• Awareness: Noticing inequities.
• Inspiration: Feeling motivated by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s advocacy.
• Vision: A global movement of UltraHumanes promoting equity.
• Purpose: Cultivate inclusive practices (Tenet 8).
• Function: Develop collaborative habits.
• Form: A weekly family skill-share evening.

Thus, the complete chain is: The Unknowable → Nothingness → Mystery → Origin → Potential → Emergence → Existence → Awareness → Inspiration → Vision → Purpose → Function → Form. The unknowable marks the end of the regress, as it cannot be traced to anything prior—it is the ultimate frontier, self-contained or undefined. This reinforces the ApeNil UltraHumane Way’s call for humility and awe, grounding the journey to become UltraHumane in the profound recognition of life’s ineffable roots.

If you’d like a visual flowchart of this chain, a ritual to reflect on the unknowable within the ApeNil life course, or a philosophical exploration of this termination point, let me know! Alternatively, I can pivot to another aspect of the ApeNil movement, such as practical steps to spread it further.