This kind of symmetry – which describes B. Mandelbrot’s fractals, or the matryoshka (Russian nested dolls) which fit into each other, because they are similar but not identical – is the basis of the principle of “PROPORTIONALITY”.

The law of gravity is said to be invariant or symmetrical, i.e. the same law applies here on earth, on the moon, on a star, or on any other cosmic object, regardless of how different weight is on each object. In fact, weight is proportional to mass.

This proportionality is an important value in relations between humans, societies and countries. For example, each service provided is entitled to a consideration, under the principle of reciprocity. However, the consideration must be proportional and equivalent to the service provided.

I buy 2 kg of apples and the cost is proportional to quantity and quality (at least, it is in more or less balanced market). Work is remunerated in proportion to the amount produced.

On the other hand, when a service is offered without consideration, e.g. when aid or subsidies are provided to a subset of a population, this one-way service should be subject to the principle of equality between recipients whose rights are equal.

Proportion is an inescapable component in the development of tastes, æsthetics, risk management and modern justice. More generally, it reminds us that our reality consists of sets and subsets, as with fractals, with their own organization and referential system, and might therefore include a new value: MODULARITY. In the political arena, the concept of SUBSIDIARITY might also be included. And since only that which can be measured can be managed properly, this symmetry also suggests another new value: EFFICIENCY.