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Generalizations about
Cyclic Patterns of Change

A generalization is something that is always or almost always true.

• The end of a cycle causes the cycle to begin again; a cycle may appear to have no beginning or end.  How can you tell if an end causes a beginning to happen?  Is it always possible to decide where a cycle "begins" and "ends"?
  
• Cycles may be constructive, destructive, or neutral.  Can you think of a constructive cycle?  A destructive cycle?  A neutral cycle?  Who decides whether a cycle is good or bad? Does point of view play a role in how a cycle is perceived?
  
• Cycles may be broken. What does it take to break a cycle?  Can all the cycles you have listed be broken? Which do you think would be hardest to break? Once a cycle is broken, can it be restarted?
  
• Cycles may be added to or diminished as they continue to repeat, forming spirals.  What are some cycles on your lists that change each time they occur?  Are these changes sudden or gradual? Are spirals positive or negative?
  
• Cycles may occur naturally or be imposed by human behavior or understanding.  What are some cycles that are caused by people?  Do we ever change natural cycles? Which cycles that we have created depend on natural cycles for meaning?