~ The Study of Threes ~
http://threesology.org
The present introductory information is not meant to be comprehensive, only a sketch of selectively chosen research interests involving patterns-of-three. There are other interests in this same field just as are there varieties in any field of study.
Different fields of study can be compared to different types of public recreational
facilities such as playgrounds, sports-fields, senior centers, concert stages,
libraries, museums, amusement emporiums, etc., not to mention the small, medium
and large-sized federal, state and local parks. Accordingly, within or about
such parks may be found the exploration of different pastimes with varying degrees
of:
- Playfulness/excursionary diversion
- For-the-moment enthusiasm
- Seriousness
Let me provide a few examples byway of a list not meant to suggest primacy of interest nor totality of possible activity:
| Running Laughing Crying Studying Baseball Badminton Tennis Golf Human Behavior Watching Swimming Bird Watching Reading Jogging Playing a Board Game Playing Cards Dirty Diaper Changing Writing a Novel/Play/Poem/Letter/Song Cloud Gazing Practicing a Mental Exercise Crossword Puzzling Philosophizing Chasing Butterflies Fantasizing/Day Dreaming Horseshoe Tossing Playing Hooky from work/school Walking a Dog Teaching on a field trip Exercising a Pet Listening To Music Playing Music(Jam Session) Mooching for money Singing |
Skating Bicycle Riding Roller Blading Skateboard Antics Bouncing a Basketball Playing Hopscotch Jumping Rope Playing a Tag game Taking a Nap Eating a meal Eating a Confectionery Sailing a Toy Boat Having a Conversation Having an Argument Arranging a Date Arranging a Meeting Exchanging Money Exchanging Phone Numbers Rowing a Boat/Canoe/Raft Acting/Miming Pushing a Stroller/Carriage Giving a Speech Throwing a Football Frisbee Catching Kissing Hugging Holding Hands Flying a Plane/Kite/Helicopter Kicking a Soccer Ball Dancing Painting/Sculpting Solving the World's Problems | |
Some additional examples with longer descriptions:
| ||
Yet, the obvious should be addressed in that different instances of similar events have their own characteristics. Succinctly, if not colloquially put, no two games are alike, even when the same rules are employed... a comment of perhaps particular note because the same rules ARE employed and our expectations are likewise conventionalized to look for parallel convergences of presumed congruities that are "supposed to" intersect at some time and place.
Many of those who find themselves at this page remain loosely familiar with the larger extent to which the notion of "Threes" may be applied. Although cognizant of its existence, they are unaware that a study of "threes" can variably assume 'any number' of alternatively referenced word-for-number on-the-fly formulations such as Tercetation, Ternariness, Treble-ation, Treyology, Triadicity (Triadology/Triadically), Triloginess, (that can be confused with the word Troglodyte); whereas in the present case it would be more appropriate to say Triglodyte, even though the associative similarity to the idea of historical spelunking (dwelling in historical caves) may not come to mind. Humorously, it may be appropriate to call present day Threesologists by the moniker "Triglodyte" since we have developed into a [sort of] new species by way of speaking the same "threes" language. All those in favor grunt Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!, because it's one of many three-patterned utterances only a Threesologist fully appreciates... even more-so than many linguists... such as "Hip! Hip! Hooray!" "Rah-Rah-Rah, Shish Boom Bah," "1st is worst, 2nd the same, 3rd is best in any game," etc...
...unless you prefer:
- All day, All week, Occupy Wallstreet! (other versions are: All Day, All Week, Shut down Wallstreet!; For a day, For a week, Occupy Wallstreet!)
- Remember The Alamo!
- Been there, Done that, Got the T-shirt
- Home- Sweet- Home (or "Home- Tweet- Home" for bird lovers)
- Rain Rain, Go Away, Come again some other day.
- Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack jump over the candle-stick.
- etc., etc., etc...
Some other "three" references are: Trinitarian, Trio-ology, Tripartite-ology, Tripartite Ideology, Tripleness, Triplicity, Triunicity (trunicity/"true"-nicity), Triplarian (gives the impression of a sort of bookish {planarian} worm), Triplexity, etc...
We might also want to include "three"-related words aligned to ideas which attempt to infer a separate uniqueness distinct from a "mere orientation that emerges due to a collection of related information with a three-patterned structure" such as Triplex Unity, Triplex Diversity, Tripartite Ideology, Trinitarian, Triple X, Trifoliate, Trichrome, Tricord, Tryst, Triad, etc...
There are of course other forms of three's referencing that may take on the appearance of an abbreviated structure typically used in mathematical nomenclature denoted as [1 + 1 + 1]'s, 3's, {ABC}'s... and so forth, unless some personal symbolical convention is employed as a means of initiating the marked boundaries of a specific domain of three's research thought to be deserving of some specialized notation because typical forms are felt to be inadequate for conveying the mi-nute intricacies necessary for a comprehensive appreciation of the material being addressed.
However, inasmuch as humor may be exchanged amongst those of us with an undying penchant for threes research, in such aforementioned instances, let us furtively and suspiciously espy the audacity of those creative thinkers who would dare design their own personal threes symbolism! Imagine... someone thinking their research is more important and significant than our own! Such impertinence should result in a triple flogging if not a triple beheading. After-which, three days later, during a three-course meal, we shall praise them (for giving voice to that which we will haughtily claim, with [tongue-n-cheek] smug regard, was already known to us anyway) while at the same time congratulate ourselves for being so generous in our vote of approval as we posthumously (post-humorously) bestow upon them the equivalent of an honorary Nobel tri-prize for their research efforts.
For those of you who actually know, think they know, or at least socially pretend to know anything about the "threes," but may not have as yet deduced the reality of existing Research interests of those involved with this particular pursuit, let me likewise encourage and direct you to first review, if not refresh your memory of "threes" examples at the following sources:
Let me also include a linked reference to a site entitled ---Triplex Unity Theory--- whose author makes some claims that some of you may share, with respect to an "all encompassing universal theory" but I will have to take exception with an expose' of my own at a later time. I wanted to mention this site at this time because it affords an opening for me to include the idea of using Georges Dumezil's three functional categories as a means of describing different types of research approaches, if not perspectives involving a "three" pattern. In this sense, a researcher or idea developer may utilize one or more of the following characteristics:
- The Priestly, or authoritative (white collar) perspective.
- The Warrior, or subordinate to a (uniformed) "cause" perspective.
- The Artisan, or free thinker (no collar) perspective.
The reader might want to alter the headings or even definitions of these groups, but the three distinctions are food-for-thought, to use another three-patterned expression. With respect to the Triplex Unity Theory, the author's philosophically connected premises underlying his martial arts interests would suggest he is relying on the second functions category. This is not to say that a researcher or originator of an idea does not or can not use elements from the other functions, but that the fact we can recognize an associated dominant orientation is suggestive that they are reflecting another example of what appears to be a dominantly used Indo-European tri-partite organizational methodology... whether they are aware of such or not, and whether or not one is taking stock of their own racial heritage... be it African, Asian, Indo-European, Extra-Terrestrial, or something other... if not some mixture thereof. In other words, no matter how elaborate our ideas may be, the only thing that may be of singular importance is to recognize what the basic pattern of information organization is being used.
At this "Masters" level of Introductory material, you need to get your feet wet with respect to not only acknowledging a presumed concentration of "threes" in a given area, but a discussion of its possible relevance to a larger appreciation of other materials in your knowledge base, which may garner a huge specificity, or an abundant generalization. Let me begin by stating some simple threes examples and then moving forward:
In America, there are three publicly funded education institutions that all children attend at one time or another:
- Elementary (Primary)
- Jr. High (Middle school or Secondary
- High school (Tertiary).
In America, there is the old teaching tenet of:
- Tell students what you are going to instruct them on.
- Teach them what you first talked about.
- Tell them what you taught them.
Typically, everybody ends sentences with Periods- Question marks- or Exclamation points.
All languages of the World are said to have a Tri-modal structure consisting of Subject- Object- Verb, but not necessarily in this order.
Computer screens typical display three symbolized designations in the upper right-hand corner of the screen monitor which refer to: Minimize- Maximize- Exit out of a screen/page.
There exists the familiar notion about a three monkey philosophy:
One displays their hands over their eyes. (See no evil.)
Another displays their hands over their ears. (Hear no evil.)
And the third displays their hands over their mouth. (Speak no evil.)
Recurringly, there are three medals offered in the Olympic games: Gold- Silver- Bronze.
There are three basic particles to atoms: Protons- Neutrons- Electrons.
Each atomic particle is thought to contain of three quarks and three anti-quarks.
Typically, most mathematical operations consist of adding, subtracting, dividing, or multiplying one number to a second number in order to get a third number.
Humanity's everyday concept of time colloquially revolves around hours- minutes- seconds, and larger expanses of time as the past- present- future.
In America, calendars frequently can be found to display the current month, the previous month, and the next month (though some variations display all the months at once). For example, if you are in the month of February, the months of January and March will also be displayed.
In America, beds for two people are designated King, Queen and twin, though many attempt to get two people onto designed-for-one-person beds.
Game pieces on Chess and Checker boards can be moved horizontally, diagonally, or vertically. There are 64 squares on the playing boards of checkers and chess. There are 64 Chinese Trigrams, and 64 operations in (three-patterned) syllogistic logic.
- The number 1 and 2 are part of a 1- 2- 3 sequence.
- The 4 frequently is found to be a 3 to 1 ratio.
- (An example of a three-part "5" usage is discussed below.)
- The number 8 can be broken down to a 3 to 1 reference: (1 + 7, 2 + 6, 3 + 5, leaving the 4 as the "one" irregular).
- The "13" is readily seen, again, numerologically speaking, as a one and three in its most obvious representation, although other associative inferences are possible.
---(Even home-study courses are geared towards a systematic tertiary form of hierarchical structure comparable to socialized standards in public classrooms, whether or not the parent-instructor is cognizant of such.)---
American society predominantly uses three-phase and one-phase electrical service. (It should be acknowledged that America is a "Later born culture," arriving some distance in time... and place from the European, Asian, and African cultures, even though it is thought to have initially been peopled by one or more of those from these cultures. It's later arrival (thinking in terms related to biological progression) coincides with the adopted usage of more threes. However, I do not know if we would, as yet, attempt to posit this occurrence with the force of assured predictability by labeling it a "Law of Threes" inevitability. A great deal more research must be done. This "increased usage of threeness" can also be seen in the later born religion generically called Mormonism with a wide-spread usage of a three-patterned organizational methodology in its in-house accepted hierarchical style. No less, we can view this repetitive use of threeness in the New Testament (as compared to a lesser usage in the Old Testament); particularly displayed in the life of Jesus as is outlined in the following abbreviated poem about the life of Jesus.)
Three Wise Men came to me with three gifts, on Christmas morn they had followed a star to see the saviour-king who was newly born And when I was a young child exploring the world as a child plays I got lost for three days but within a home of God, I smiled A spirit led me into the wilderness to be three times tempted by the Devil Satan wanted to make me one of his but I gave visiting angels my soul I taught so that all might remember- "to Ask, to Seek and to Knock" for with these keys, all things surrender and Heaven's doors unlock I was 3 times ten plus 3 years old speaking out for Faith, Hope & Charity some thought me evil, others called me bold but what I did, I did for thee "I am not," was all that Peter would say when asked if he is one of my disciples his third denial came after I was led away, before the moment a cock crows Many think I dropped the cross three times on the way to my crucifixion and with two others found guilty of crimes, that 3 of us had embarked towards Heaven It is believed that three nails were used to bind each hand and both feet - my executioners expected to be abused but with words like these I chose to speak: "And though my flesh deeply pangs for water while blood also trickles from each hand, please forgive them oh Father for they do not understand" It was Pilate who inscribed above my head, in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, on a wooden plaque that could be read: 'Jesus the Nazarene the King of every Jew' When at 3 o'clock, I was to take my leave so that future generations might believe, some say I said this simple phrase of three: with a sponge soaked in sour wine but others around said "Let him be!," to see if God would save me in time It was on the third day that I rose after having been crucified and every kind-hearted person knows, it was for each of you that I died Three women with spices sweet, came to soothe their hearts by anointing me but I had gone before them, to Galilee for it is there we were to meet To my disciples behind shut doors, I came twice to be heard then near the sea of the Tiberieas shores, meant this visit was my third I asked Simon Peter three questions knowing he would answer the same my undying love was given in these lessons, so that all the future might gain All authority in Heaven and on Earth had been given to me on the day, that I had known since my birth I would be ascending with yet much to say but, so that all nations might realize hoping all peoples would come to hear it my disciples were sent out to baptize, "in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit" Like a thief in the night, I am to come unto you though some believe this untrue, I pray your heart shines my light Tis not a mystical coincidence that my life's story has patterns-of-three you must come to know of its significance as my love for you has not forsaken thee. |
Please be aware that Threesology is not about the advocacy of any religion or religious precept, it is about the study of three-patterned occurrences in a multitude of contexts in and outside mainstream academic interests. The study of threes can take one far afield of mainstream academic pursuits. However, such wanderings are necessary in an attempt to collect examples of threes from the many divergent avenues of human behavior and consciousness. Yet such examples must be placed within the context of a larger understood appreciation of what... we think... is the meaning or reason for such a widespread occurrence of such a pattern... at least, this is my personal research direction.
Threesology is not about the wearing of a garment that conceals an absorption with religious doctrine. Religious doctrine on the other hand, frequently uses different recurring patterns to justify and satisfy emotionalized intellectual trends within a given religious community, just as it had done in past centuries when the populace refused to relinquish so-called pagan ideas. Reigning church leaders merely adopt adaptations of popular belief for its own manipulative doctrinal usage. It is a perverted form for seeking and speaking "The Gospel" (the truth).
A Threesological perspective and approach is intended to be eclectic... extremely wide-spread and broadly based in a multitude of mediums with a specific inclination towards a route of study that attempts to achieve a clarity of vision by way of including the presumed objectivity of other disciplines. Please do not misinterpret the usage of a religious example containing one or more patterns-of-three to be indicative of a religious pronouncement. Such a ridiculous interpretation is a vagary of emotionalism conveniently exercised at-will by those in dominant social institutions that feel one or more supporting tenets of their respective domain is being threatened with exposure for an underlying hypocrisy and distortion of reality. A like-minded interpretive inclination would thus have to be thought about someone when specific examples of threes from Satanic worship, crop circles, art and the various sciences are provided. It such instances, even thinking about something renders oneself guilty-by-association even though evidence to the contrary is well established and overwhelming. In short, simply because an example of something is provided in a list, does not mean the example is believed in. This is an extreme form of readership naīvete´ and inferred intellectual gullibleness.
What frequently is thought to be an abundance of examples suggesting a dominance over all other patterned examples ...particularly those advocating supremacy above and beyond a pattern-of-three collection, is that the individual(s) presenting the list and making the claim are detailing the extent of their own cognitive limitations by being easily overwhelmed by a certain quantity and quality of information with respect to the other-than-three pattern being used. When a list involves information foremost centered in their personal interests, an individual becomes emotionally and intellectually taxed and subdued into thinking the list is incomparably comprehensive and cannot therefore be inferior, or the person may vulnerably consider themselves to be likewise; though such is more often a false assumption derived from an incomplete appreciation of one's attributes that have the capacity to be enhanced beyond present abilities and sensitivities that are necessary for seeking and establishing the verities of truth that is not biased by characterizations of personalized projections seeking some measure of realization.
I have tried to make such an other-than-three list myself, sincerely wanting to give credit where credit is due to the material and author(s) of that and those who have pioneered a similar course of effort. Yet such collective representations are frequently found to be immersed in the applied superstitious and traditional meanings of antiquity that struggle against attempts to apply them to larger accumulations of knowledge with respect to a broader and deeper spectrum of understanding... much less being able to inclusively and coherently grapple with the phenomena-of threes recurrence which contains examples from areas of appreciation unknown in the past. In other words, it appears that the more limited a person's knowledge is with respect to having some appreciation of multiple subject areas, the better the number patterns such as seven, four, five, thirteen, and the like, appear to them as being singularly important.
If the perspective of someone's world-view is small, the number patterns 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, etc., have far greater meaning the less you know. Such number patterns do not easily lend themselves to broader expanses of knowledge, such as those being encountered and explored by a pattern-of-three signage. Those who prefer such other-than-three number patterns want the number representations to be a stand-alone exclusive, and not be a minor role player in an appreciation of larger considerations.
For example, though the number seven can be broken down into smaller constituent parts such as 1 and 6, 2 and 5, as well as 3 and 4, those who claim the number 7 as being singularly significant (typically derived from antiquated historical sources), will down-play any singularly important role involving separation and individuation, except that they equal seven. The fact that there are three combinations eludes a conscious acknowledgment as to having any significance what-so-ever, correlative or otherwise. They can not see the forest for the trees, the desert for the sand, and the ocean for the water.
Simplistically denoted as an exemplification based on a like-minded inclination towards an intellectualization formulated from numerological considerations:
While I have presented only a few examples, other number patterns abound for various individualistic interests that quite often do not exceed numerological considerations frequently tied to superstitions reflecting ancient perspectives or a point of view adopted by someone in their particular concerns.
As for myself, confessedly, I think patterns-of-three do not represent a stand-alone exclusive, but are a bread-crumb clue. The recurrence of "threes" in so many different subject areas both in and out of main-stream academics are many fragments to a singular piece of a puzzle that I am attempting to put together based on the outline shapes of fragmented puzzle pieces. At present, I am only making assumptions about what the overall "picture" portrays as more and more pieces are fitted together.
Such "Puzzling" efforts become more intense beginning on the 3rd Introductory page.
Page initially created: Sunday, 25th March 2012... 11:26 AM
Page re-posted: Sunday, 12th May 2019… 5:06 AM
Herb O. Buckland
herbobuckland@hotmail.com