Today and Tomorrow
What has all this history brought us to? Where is it going to take us? For yourself, the answer can only be found with you. Where do you want to be and where do you want to go? For society, the answer is broad and far ranging.
The State of Knot Tying Today
Today some cordage is made out of new synthetic materials, while some is still made of natural fibers. The more slippery of the synthetic materials have made for more careful knot tying, in order to keep the knots themselves from slipping. A vast number of crafts, professions, and activities have brought many new knots into use, each with its own special application and name. Experimenters come up with new knots every day, and ropes of new and different structures even require that splicing be done differently. Decorative knot tyers continue to astound us with their new creations.
However, basic knot tying remains what it has always been — a way to use cordage to help us interact with and control our environment. This is done now and will continue to be done with basic knots that can be readily learned, yet used and shared for a lifetime.
The Learning Process Continues
We are tempted to laugh at our past beliefs and superstitions about knots. But the inner workings of knots are just as mysterious today as any time in the past. Many texts refer to the workings of friction, or the key importance of a “nip” in the knot (that particular part of the knot that can be thought of as “locking” it). While not incorrect, in reality these serve mostly as learning aids. Knots put under high strain do not necessarily result in damage at their nip. In fact, they tend to break just outside the knot. The reason for this is not fully understood, and even computer models only seem to confirm this, without explaining why. This is really not surprising, since the science of the late twentieth century has taught us that there can be infinite complexities within even the most simple of systems.
QUESTION?
Is the complexity and our lack of understanding about the inner workings of knots a problem?
Not at all, because it is not a barrier to their use. If you tie the right knot for the right application, you have done all you can do! It is no more important to understand the topology of a knot than it is to understand the circuitry of a cell phone.
Many avenues of higher learning keep leading us to further research in knots. The higher mathematics of algebraic structures and topology are only beginning to describe knots. Mathematical progress in classifying knots leads to increased understanding in the mechanics of DNA strands and polymers. It also contributes to the study of higher dimensions and theoretical physics. To be sure, history shall someday lump our current understanding of knots with that of the caveman.
