Meta

The mobius strip is a model of self-reference and paradox you can make with receipt paper

Meta is a prefix that can be added to any word to denote self-reference, recursion, and feedback loops. Whenever a concept contains some central self-referential paradox or infinite regress, it might be referred to as "totally meta."

Kurt Gödel is the patron saint of self-reference.

"There is this theory of the Moebius. A twist in the fabric of space where time becomes a loop... where time becomes a loop... where time becomes a loop... where time becomes a loop." -Worf & Orbital

Meta can also represent transcendence and higher level orders of complexity, where individual actors at one level of organization create a new, self-organized fractal pattern of behavior when acting collectively.

Meta was also the name of this organization and website for nearly 20 years before certain social media crypto-bros decided it was cool.

A short list of cultural references that elicit this concept:

• Yin and Yang
• Snake eating its own tail (Ouroboros)
• Möbius strip
• Turtles All the Way Down
• The Trinity
• Pratītyasamutpāda
• M.C. Escher
• Fractals

This AI-generated virtual podcast that relates the nature of reality to the Ouroboros is actually rather insightful and gives a good overview of the holistic, self-referential perspective presented in this wiki.

Why Mapping Reality is an Infinite Loop

Reacting to your own reaction video is meta.

Bo Burnham - "Unpaid Intern" Reaction Video

Meta Music

Some music that evokes infinite recursion and self-reference.

Orbital - Time Becomes (Brown Album Playlist)

Barry Manilow - I Write the Songs