The power of repetition

Photo by Céline Haeberly on Unsplash

Why repetition is an underrated force in the universe.

Recently, I got more and more fond of Michael Commons’ model of hierarchical complexity (MHC) that stratifies the universe into at least 16 layers of complexity, from the simplest reflexes to meta-cross-paradigmatic philosophies about the most fundamental principles of the cosmos.

One of these most fundamental principles might very well be a phenomenon that seems to appear on all 16 MHC stages. I’m talking about repetition.

It is present already at the very first level of the model, for instance in the grasping reflex of a baby that is activated just at any time an object, such as an adult finger, is placed in an infant’s palm.

This movement is not under conscious control. But it is an initial pattern of movement that the brain and body can start to control intentionally a bit later.

I vividly recall watching my son when he was just a tiny infant, lying on the floor. His limbs fluttered about spontaneously. His eyes, wide with astonishment, seemed to suddenly comprehend the marvel of his movements — as if he was realizing for the first time, after many reflexive repetitions, that he could intentionally control his arms and legs. Witnessing that moment of awakening was profoundly moving.

Next, as these movements are consciously recognized and actively executed, noticing that a certain action leads to a specific result, the individual begins to repeat them intentionally. Think of a child clanking a rattle, as it makes a funny sound.

Repetition, again, plays a key role here — it’s through repetition that movements become more stable and reliable. This process is fundamental for turning the most basic sporadic actions like shaking something into a dependable, refined gesture.

Moreover, through repeated practice, these gestures become more automated. This frees up cognitive resources; once an action becomes automatic, it requires less conscious thought. Which means that the infant can pay more attention to its environment, starting to interact with it and to combine several basic automated movements into more complex skills.

Also, the infant can now receive continuous feedback from the environment, adjusting its movements in real time. This is where complex movements like walking emerge, as walking is not just a single movement but a coordinated series of actions balanced by sensory feedback. Which is, again, automatized and refined by repetition.

This foundational element introduced in the lowest stage of complexity never disappears as one moves to higher stages of complexity. It is just integrated in more and more sophisticated ways. Its fundamental role as a mechanism for learning and stabilization remains critical across all stages.

In learning new languages, a task of high complexity, repetition is used not just in rote memorization of vocabulary but also in the practice of grammar and in the contextual usage of language, where the principles of repetition help solidify the understanding and fluent use of the language.

In scientific research repetition is key in the form of replicating experiments to verify findings and establish reliable facts, ensuring the integrity of scientific knowledge.

Repetition also plays a crucial role in the social and cultural contexts, as repeated behaviors, norms, or rituals become embedded within a society, leading to a deeper acceptance and integration of these elements into the cultural fabric.

A researcher might repeatedly apply principles of ecological balance to understand different ecosystems, economic systems, and social structures, looking for commonalities and differences that can refine their overarching theories.

Even the development of entirely new academic field requires the repetitive integration of multiple established paradigms. For instance, the field of bioinformatics has emerged from repeatedly applying computational techniques to biological data, integrating and adapting methods from computer science and molecular biology.

This highlights how foundational learning strategies like repetition are universally applicable and remain essential for development across all levels of complexity. This interconnection suggests a profound unity in the learning processes, from the simplest to the most complex tasks.