The butterfly effect is a phrase that encapsulates the more technical notion of sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaos theory. Small variations of the initial condition of a nonlinear dynamical system may produce large variations in the long term behavior of the system. This is sometimes presented as esoteric behavior, but can be exhibited by very simple systems: for example, a ball placed at the crest of a hill might roll into any of several valleys depending on slight differences in initial position.

The phrase refers to the idea that a butterfly's wings might create tiny changes in the atmosphere that ultimately cause a tornado to appear (but not prevent a tornado from appearing). The flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which causes a chain of events leading to large-scale phenomena. Had the butterfly not flapped its wings, the trajectory of the system might have been vastly different.

Recurrence, the approximate return of a system towards its initial conditions, together with sensitive dependence on initial conditions are the two main ingredients for chaotic motion. They have the practical consequence of making complex systems, such as the weather, difficult to predict past a certain time range (approximately a week in the case of wether.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_effect

SEVEN HOLY VIRTUES

The Seven Virtues were derived from the Psychomachia ('Contest of the Soul'), an epic poem written by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (c. 410) entailing the battle of good virtues and evil vices. The intense popularity of this work in the Middle Ages helped to spread the concept of Holy Virtue throughout Europe. Practicing these virtues is alleged to protect one against temptation from the Seven Deadly Sins, with each one having its counterpart. Due to this they are sometimes referred to as the contrary virtues. There are two distinct variations of the virtues, recognized by different groups.

Ranked in ascending order of sanctity, the seven holy virtues are:

• Chastity (Latin, castitas) (purity, opposes lust, Latin luxuria) —
  Courage and boldness. Embracing of moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of thought through education and betterment.

• Abstinence (Latin, frenum) (self-control, opposes gluttony, Latin gula) —
  Constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation.

• Liberality (Latin, liberalitas) (will, generosity, opposes greed, Latin avaritia) —
  Generosity. Willingness to give. A nobility of thought or actions.

• Diligence (Latin, industria) (ethics, opposes sloth, Latin acedia) —
  A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work. Decisive work ethic. Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness.

• Patience (Latin, patientia) (peace, opposes wrath, Latin ira) —
  Forbearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence. The ability to forgive; to show mercy to sinners.

• Kindness (Latin, humanitas) (satisfaction, opposes envy, Latin invidia) —
  Charity, compassion, friendship, and sympathy without prejudice and for its own sake.

• Humility (Latin, humilitas) (modesty, opposes pride, Latin superbia) —
  Modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues

SEVEN DEADLY SINS

The "Seven Deadly Sins", also known as the "Capital Vices" or "Cardinal Sins", are a classification of vices that were originally used in early Christian teachings to educate and instruct followers concerning (immoral) fallen man's tendency to sin. The Roman Catholic Church divided sin into two principal categories: "venial", which are relatively minor, and could be forgiven through any sacrament of the Church, and the more severe "capital" or "mortal" sins, which, when committed, destroyed the life of grace, and created the threat of eternal damnation unless either absolved through the sacrament of confession, or otherwise forgiven through perfect contrition on the part of the penitent. Beginning in the early 14th century, the popularity of the Seven deadly sins as a theme among European artists of the time eventually helped to ingrain them in many areas of Christian culture and Christian consciousness in general throughout the world.

Listed in the same order used by both Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th Century AD, and later by Dante Alighieri in his epic poem The Divine Comedy, the Seven deadly sins are as follows: Luxuria (extravagance, later lust), Gula (gluttony), Avaritia (greed), Acedia (sloth), Ira (wrath), Invidia (envy), and Superbia (pride).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Deadly_Sins

Now I am tired.

And, it is time for Grey's Anatomy.