Visitors as of Sept. 3rd, 2025
On this page in order of appearance:
- Tripartite Aspects of Ocular anatomy: [1] (The Human Eye)
- Tripartite Aspects of 3rd state of Existence between life and death: [2]
- Tripartite Aspects of famous people obsessed with threes: [3] (A superficial account of the phenomena)
- Tripartite Aspects of three-part slogans: [4]
- Tripartite Aspects of historical philosophers studying the threes phenomena: [5]
- Repeat of examples listed under different queries in this series.
- The Application of the Philosophical Thinking of "Three" From I Ching to Medical Education: [
- 6] (article link; authors: Yingjie Du, Xinqing Zhang, Jinjing Zhang, Guyan Wang
- This is a superficial account of "threes" from the I Ching to Modern medicine.
- Apparently, Chinese researchers interested in making comparisons between cultures, they are not cognizant of the fact that the so-called I Ching Triads/trigrams are actually Biads/bigrams.
- Comparative study of the number "Three" in Western and Chinese culture and its translation.: [7]
[1] Internet query: "Tripartite Aspects of Ocular anatomy"
AI (overview) response:The Tripartite, or three-part, aspects of ocular anatomy can be understood in several ways, most commonly referring to the three concentric layers of the eyeball, the three main sections that process vision, and the three-layered structure of specific components like the cornea, lens, and tear film.
The three tunics (layers) of the eyeballThe wall of the eyeball is constructed from three distinct, concentric layers known as tunics.
- Fibrous tunic (outer layer): The outermost protective layer of the eye.
- Sclera: The opaque white part of the eye, a tough connective tissue that protects the inner structures and helps maintain the eye's shape.
- Cornea: A transparent, dome-shaped layer at the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. It is responsible for a significant portion of the eye's focusing power.
- Vascular tunic (middle layer): Also called the uvea, this layer contains most of the eye's blood vessels.
- Choroid: A layer of blood vessels and connective tissue that lies between the sclera and retina, providing nourishment to the outer layers of the retina.
- Ciliary body: Located behind the iris, this structure produces aqueous humor and contains the ciliary muscle, which changes the shape of the lens for focusing.
- Iris: The colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil to regulate the amount of light entering the eye.
- Neural tunic (inner layer): The innermost, light-sensitive tissue of the eye.
- Retina: This layer contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) that detect light and convert it into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the brain via the optic nerve.
The three primary optical components for vision
Light travels through a series of transparent structures to create a visual image on the retina. These are the cornea, lens, and retina.
- Cornea: As the first point of refraction, the cornea bends incoming light rays to begin the focusing process.
- Lens: Located behind the iris and pupil, the lens fine-tunes the focus by changing its shape. This allows for sharp vision on objects at varying distances.
- Retina: This light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye receives the focused image. Its photoreceptors convert light messages into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain.
Tripartite components within other ocular structures
Many individual parts of the eye have their own Tripartite structures, including:
- The cornea: This structure is often described as having three main cellular layers separated by membranes: the epithelium, stroma, and
endothelium.
- Epithelium: The thin, outermost layer that provides a protective barrier.
- Stroma: The thick middle layer, composed of collagen fibers, that gives the cornea its shape and transparency.
- Endothelium: A single-celled layer on the inner surface that pumps fluid out of the cornea to prevent swelling.
- The lens: The lens is composed of a capsule, epithelium, and fibers.
- Lens capsule: A transparent, elastic basement membrane that encases the entire lens.
- Lens epithelium: A layer of cells located between the capsule and the lens fibers on the front side of the lens.
- Lens fibers: The long, transparent cells that make up the bulk of the lens and are responsible for its refractive power.
- The tear film: The protective tear film that coats the eye's surface also has a three-layered structure.
- Lipid layer: The outermost, oily layer that reduces tear evaporation.
- Aqueous layer: The middle, watery layer that provides moisture and nutrients.
- Mucin layer: The innermost layer, secreted by goblet cells, that helps the tear film adhere to the eye's surface.
Note: since the above did not cover the 3 types of photo-receptors, I include them as a separate but connected value:
The three types of photoreceptors in the human eye are rod cells, cone cells (which come in three types: S-blue, M-green, and L-red), and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Rods are responsible for low-light vision, cones provide color vision in bright light, and ipRGCs play a role in non-visual functions like regulating circadian rhythms.
Rod Cells- Function: Provide vision in dim light conditions and are responsible for monochromatic (black and white) vision.
- Characteristics: More numerous than cones, located primarily in the peripheral retina, and highly sensitive to light.
Cone Cells
- Function: Responsible for high-acuity, color vision in bright light.
- Types: There are three types of cones, each containing a different photopsin pigment, allowing them to respond to different wavelengths
of light:
- S-cones: Sensitive to short wavelengths, corresponding to blue light.
- M-cones: Sensitive to medium wavelengths, corresponding to green light.
- L-cones: Sensitive to long wavelengths, corresponding to red light.
- Perception: The brain compares the signals from these three cone types to perceive the full spectrum of colors.
Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells (ipRGCs)
- Function: These cells are a type of photoreceptor that can detect light independently of rods and cones. They primarily help to regulate the body's circadian rhythm, or internal clock, and do not contribute to image formation.
[2] Internet query: "Tripartite Aspects of 3rd state of Existence between life and death"
AI (overview) response: Scientific research into the "third state" of existence is not a spiritual concept but a biological one, referring to the postmortem period where cells from a deceased organism continue to function, adapt, and in some cases, reorganize into new life-like forms. This challenges the traditional binary view of life and death by highlighting that the cellular activity can persist even after the organism has died.
The three main aspects of this postmortem cellular activity are plasticity, adaptability, and emergence.1. Cellular plasticity
Cellular plasticity refers to the ability of cells to change their function after the death of the organism. Cells are not simply "off" but remain active for a time and can exhibit new capabilities under the right conditions.
- Evidence of plasticity:
- Gene activation: Researchers have observed increased activity in genes associated with stress, immunity, and developmental regulation in organisms like mice, zebrafish, and humans after clinical death. This suggests the cells are not inert but are actively responding to their new environment.
- Cellular reorganization: Scientists have witnessed cellular reorganization in laboratory settings. For instance, skin cells taken from deceased frog embryos can reassemble into new multicellular organisms called "xenobots".
2. Postmortem adaptability
The cells' ability to adapt after the death of the organism is another crucial aspect of the third state. These adaptations allow them to survive in a low-resource, stressful environment.
- Adaptation mechanisms:
- Energy metabolism: A cell's access to and ability to metabolize energy play a vital role in its postmortem viability. This helps explain why some cells, such as those used in organ transplantation, can be kept viable after the death of the donor.
- Environmental factors: Various factors, including oxygen availability, temperature, and biochemical signals, influence whether cells can persist in this transitional state. For example, studies have shown that cryopreservation techniques can help preserve tissue viability.
3. Emergence of new functions
The third aspect is the emergence of new, unprogrammed functions in these surviving cells. They can go beyond their original biological purpose and exhibit new behaviors.
- Emergent properties:
- Novel structures: Xenobots, the multicellular organisms derived from frog embryo cells, can use their cilia (hair-like structures) to navigate their surroundings. In a living frog embryo, cilia are typically used to move mucus, demonstrating a shift in function.
- Kinematic self-replication: The xenobots have also displayed a unique form of self-replication where they physically create copies of their structure from loose cells, a function they did not possess in their original state.
- Repair capabilities: Researchers found that lung cells that self-assembled into "anthrobots" could move independently and help repair injured neuron cells placed nearby.
Broader context
The discovery of this third state holds potential implications for medicine, particularly in regenerative medicine and understanding the dying process. It reframes the understanding of life and death, suggesting the boundary is not a simple on/off switch but a more complex and dynamic process at the cellular level.
H.O.B. note: from the death of humanity may in fact emerge the beginnings of a new life form far better suited for the distant times and places we are yet to venture to in the Universe... or Biverse... or Triverse.
[3] Internet query: "Tripartite Aspects of famous people obsessed with threes" (Note: The Tesla account may be based on hearsay and urban legend. Media repetition is often mistaken for fact. I include an excerpt from the 1st images poster: Poster 1 [right far side down from the top]).
AI (overview) response: Famous individuals have demonstrated an intense fascination with the number three, manifesting through their work, personal habits, and beliefs. This "Tripartite aspect" is not a formal condition but a recurring theme driven by personal conviction, psychological tendencies, or creative expression.
Nikola Tesla: The scientist and his numerical ritualsThe electrical engineer and futurist Nikola Tesla exhibited a profound, and possibly obsessive-compulsive, affinity for the number three and its multiples.
- A daily ritual: He would walk around a building exactly three times before entering.
- Numerical demands: When staying in hotels, he would request a room number that was divisible by three.
- OCD-related behavior: During daily swims, he would perform 33 laps, and if he lost count, he would feel compelled to start over from zero.
- Theoretical significance: He believed that the numbers 3, 6, and 9 were fundamentally linked to the universe's inner workings, energy, and frequency, incorporating them into his theories on electromagnetism.
Jack White: The musician's creative structure
The musician Jack White has been consistently drawn to the number three in his creative work.
- The White Stripes: His platinum-selling band, The White Stripes, was built around a power trio of instruments: voice, guitar, and drums.
- Trio-centric projects: White has frequently worked in bands composed of three members. After the White Stripes, he formed another trio, The Raconteurs, with Brendan Benson and Jack Lawrence.
- A core belief: He has openly discussed his personal fascination with the number, stating it has animated his creative output.
Phil Jackson: The basketball coach and the "three-peat"
Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, was famously associated with the "three-peat"—winning three consecutive championships.
- Trademarking the term: Jackson did not invent the concept, which was trademarked by his coaching peer Pat Riley. However, Jackson was able to do what Riley could not.
- Achieving the goal: Jackson led his teams to a "three-peat" not just once, but three times throughout his career. This repeated success made him a living embodiment of the "power of three" in sports, stating that the third victory was always the most difficult and therefore most unique.
The cultural "rule of three"
While not an obsessive behavior, many famous people and public figures have wielded the "rule of three" in their speech and strategy to make their messages more memorable and impactful.
- Tony Blair: The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom famously prioritized "education, education, education" at the start of his tenure to emphasize the importance of that issue.
- Slogans and sayings: The psychological principle that information presented in three parts is more effective than other formats has been used repeatedly throughout history, from Roman sayings to political slogans.
[4] Internet query: "Tripartite Aspects of three-part slogans"
AI (overview) response: The effectiveness of Tripartite, or three-part, slogans stems from the "rule of three," a rhetorical principle suggesting that ideas presented in a trio are more memorable and impactful. The specific aspects of this technique, known as hendiatris, include its inherent memorability, sense of completeness, and rhythmic appeal.
Key rhetorical aspectsCompleteness and harmony
Presenting three distinct but interconnected ideas can make a concept feel more thorough, balanced, and complete to an audience. For example:
- Liberté, égalité, fraternité (Liberty, equality, fraternity)—The three core tenets of the French Republic form a cohesive and complete political philosophy.
- A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play—The brand slogan for Mars candy bars suggests that the product offers a comprehensive set of benefits for a balanced life.
Memorability and rhythm
The rhythm created by a three-part structure is naturally satisfying to the human brain, making the message more catchy and easier to remember.
- Veni, vidi, vici (I came, I saw, I conquered)—Julius Caesar's famous phrase uses a rhythmic, three-part structure to create a powerful and concise statement.
- Stop, drop, and roll—This fire safety slogan uses three simple, successive actions that are easy to recall in an emergency.
Emphasis and amplification
A three-part slogan can also build to a climax or reinforce a central idea by presenting a series of related points.
- Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness—This line from the U.S. Declaration of Independence uses three phrases to emphasize the core human rights deemed essential for a fulfilling life.
- Enrich, Enlighten, Empower—The three actions build on one another, suggesting a process of improvement that culminates in a powerful final result.
Examples with varied Tripartite aspects
Tripartite slogans can be used to communicate different messages, from inspiring hope to instilling fear. The meaning is conveyed through the choice of words and the relationship between the three parts.
Constructive examples
These slogans use the Tripartite structure to convey positive, aspirational, or practical ideas.
- Peace, order and good government: This principle from the Constitution of Canada outlines the foundational goals of the nation's governance.
- Duty, Dignity, Discipline: A political motto used by Dravidian parties in India, it promotes a code of conduct for public service.
- See it. Say it. Sorted.: A UK public transport slogan that uses a simple, three-step formula to encourage vigilance and reporting suspicious behavior.
Manipulative examples
In George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984, the ruling Party uses Tripartite slogans to enforce illogical beliefs and control the population. The aspects of these slogans are defined by the manipulation of language.
- War Is Peace
- Freedom Is Slavery
- Ignorance Is Strength
These phrases are memorable and rhythmic, but their power comes from their paradoxical nature. By forcing citizens to accept these contradictory statements, the Party destroys independent thought and establishes absolute control over reality itself.
[5] Internet query: "Tripartite Aspects of historical philosophers studying the threes phenomena"
AI (overview) response: Across philosophical history, a Tripartite structure—using three distinct components—has been a recurring method for analyzing complex phenomena. This framework helps break down subjects into a beginning, middle, and end, or into mind, body, and spirit. Notable examples can be seen in the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and G.W.F. Hegel.
Plato: The Tripartite soulIn his dialogue The Republic, Plato explores the nature of the soul (\(psyche\)) and its corresponding parts in the ideal city-state.
Rational part (logistikon): The seat of reason and logic, located in the head. This part is responsible for seeking truth and knowledge and should rule over the others. Spirited part (thymoeides): The source of emotions like anger, ambition, and honor. It is located in the chest and acts as an ally to the rational part if properly trained. Appetitive part (epithymetikon): Driven by bodily desires such as hunger, thirst, and sex, this part is located in the stomach. It must be kept in check by reason and spirit to prevent excess. For Plato, a person is just and virtuous when the rational part governs the spirited and appetitive parts in a harmonious balance.
Aristotle: The three types of life
In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle identifies three distinct types of lives that individuals might pursue in search of happiness or flourishing (eudaimonia).
- The life of pleasure: This is a life focused on physical and material enjoyment. Aristotle views this as slavish and animalistic, although he acknowledges that pleasure is a part of a complete human life.
- The political life: This life is centered on achieving honor and public recognition. Aristotle suggests that honor is too superficial and dependent on others to be the ultimate human good.
- The contemplative life: This is the life of a philosopher dedicated to knowledge and understanding. Aristotle argues that this is the highest form of human life, as it is self-sufficient and most in line with our rational nature.
Immanuel Kant: The three critiques
As a central figure in the Enlightenment, Kant used a Tripartite structure to explore the limits of human knowledge, morality, and aesthetics in his three major works, collectively known as "The Three Critiques".
- Critique of Pure Reason (1781): Examines the nature of knowledge and metaphysics. Kant seeks to understand the conditions under which human beings can have a priori knowledge (knowledge independent of experience).
- Critique of Practical Reason (1788): Focuses on moral philosophy and the role of free will. In this work, Kant proposes his ethical theory based on the Categorical Imperative, which outlines a universal, unconditional moral law.
- Critique of Judgment (1790): Bridges the gap between the two previous critiques by exploring the philosophical basis for aesthetic judgment and the concept of purposefulness (teleology) in nature.
G.W.F. Hegel: The Tripartite dialectic
Hegel developed a dialectical method of three stages that he believed drove the evolution of thought, consciousness, and history.
- Thesis: An initial idea or state of affairs.
- Antithesis: The opposing idea or force that emerges to challenge the thesis.
- Synthesis: A higher, more complete understanding that emerges from the conflict between the thesis and antithesis.
Hegel's dialectic is not just a logical formula but a process of sublation (Aufhebung). This means the synthesis cancels out the opposition of the thesis and antithesis while simultaneously preserving and elevating their essential truths. This three-stage model is a recurring structure throughout his major works.
[6] Internet query: "The Application of the Philosophical Thinking of "Three" From I Ching to Medical Education"
Abstract: Since ancient times, the Chinese have had a special understanding of the "Three". Chinese philosophy originates from the I Ching, and the philosophical concept of "Three" is the core of the I Ching. The philosophical thinking about "Three" entails a complete dialectical thinking method that is consistent with the Western philosophical concept of "One Dividing into Three". In this paper, we explain the philosophical concept of "Three" and suggest its application to medical education, including the learning and application of new technology, shared decision making between doctors and patients, and integration of medical humanities and medical science.
Introduction: "Three" is the number most used by the Chinese, but few people pay attention to it; they use it every day without thinking in depth about what it means. There are many idioms using "Three" in Chinese, and "Three" is often an abstract concept rather than a real one. It does not represent the original meaning of the number itself but has different meanings in different contexts (1). In some situations, "Three" can represent many times or most, such as "A man has three heads and six arms", "One shouldn't make the same mistake more than three times", and "One day apart seems like three autumns". In other situations, "Three" can express a small amount, such as "make one thing clear with three words or two words" and "one cannot leave one's own profession in three sentences". Since ancient times, the Chinese have been used to autonomously enter the realm of ‘Three". As such, the philosophical concept of "Three" is deeply rooted in the marrow and blood of every Chinese person.
What philosophical thinking is contained in "Three" from the I Ching? What is the specific importance of philosophical thinking of "Three" for medical education? Despite its long-standing contribution to studies on education in other professions, philosophy has been absent from the discussion of medical education (2). In this paper, we explained the philosophical concept of "Three", and we suggested the application of the philosophical concept of "Three" from I Ching to medicine education, including the learning and application of new technology, shared decision making between doctors and patients, and integration of medical humanities and medical science.
[7] Internet query: "Comparative study of the number "Three" in Western and Chinese culture and its translation."
AI (overview) response: The number "three" holds significant and complex symbolic weight in both Western and Chinese cultures, though the meanings and applications vary. While Western culture often associates "three" with concepts like divinity, completion, and the rule of three, Chinese culture views it through the lens of dialectical balance and vitality, though it can also have negative connotations. When translating expressions involving "three," one must consider these divergent cultural meanings to accurately convey the intended nuance.
Translation considerations
Translating expressions involving the number "three" requires careful consideration of the cultural context to avoid mistranslations or awkward wording.
- Literal versus contextual translation: A literal translation of "three" (e.g., san) is straightforward, but it often fails to capture the cultural subtext. The translator must decide whether the numerical value or the symbolic meaning is more important.
- Nuance and intent: In English, "third time's the charm" implies luck. A literal translation into Chinese that sounds like sàn (scattered) would lose this hopeful meaning, potentially creating an opposite effect. A Chinese equivalent, such as an expression relating to perseverance, would be more appropriate.
- Cultural appropriation: For complex concepts like the Christian Holy Trinity or the Taoist "three gives birth to all things," the translator must consider how much cultural explanation is necessary. Directly translating "Trinity" as San Yi may not convey the full theological meaning to someone unfamiliar with Christian doctrine.
- Avoiding superstition: Phrases related to luck, like those used in Chinese numerology, might need careful handling. The lucky association of san with sheng (life) would be a key aspect to explain when translating Chinese cultural texts.
- Identifying universal concepts: Certain concepts, such as the philosophical idea of balance or the three stages of a narrative, are more universal and can often be translated more directly across both cultures.
Internet query: Same as above, except in relaying the information from the "Deep Dive" option.
AI (overview) response: In Western culture, the number three is overwhelmingly associated with divinity, completeness, and positive affirmations, such as the Holy Trinity in Christianity and the rule of three in storytelling. In Chinese culture, the number three also signifies abundance, growth, and the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity. However, its meaning is more ambiguous, with a secondary association with separation. This dual nature is crucial for translators, as a literal translation may misrepresent the intended meaning.
Page initially created: Tuesday, Sept. 2nd, 2025... 3:20 AM
Initial posting: Sunday, Sept. 21st, 2025... 1:56 PM