On the barrier between us and a single truth

The fundamental problem for classification is that it is paradoxically contradictory between in time (ie, class) and over time (ie, continuity), just like entity (object) displays two different aspects: pattern and process. It means that the two different aspects of entity (object) correspond to the paradoxical contradiction for classification. The two aspects and the paradoxical contradiction are thus actually two aspects of the same paradox, ie, an interface between them, which is called Russell's paradox.

This paradox is thus the core of classification. It is what we end up in when we search the truth in classification (like cladistics does). It is also the barrier between us and a single truth, because without a single non-contradictory classification we cannot, of course, find a single truth.

The idea of a single truth (ie, a single True Tree of Life, or single consistent system) will thus forever be hidden behind a fundamental paradoxical contradiction in classification. If this means that the idea is wrong depends on how we define "wrong". A more suitable word appears to be "impossible". A single True Tree of Life, or single consistent system, is simply impossible. It is, actually, an unreachable state between reality and our classification of it, which is consistently classified using an orthogonal system like the Linnean classification. Such system thus touches a single Truth, but, unfortunately, just as one aspect of it. The single Truth remains hidden behind the fundamental paradoxical contradiction in classification, called Russell's paradox.

Cladistics may claim that matters are the other way around, that is, that the idea of a single truth (ie, a single True Tree of Life, or single consistent system) is within reach, but it can't change the fact that it isn't. It can only lure people into a vain search for it. An unwanted understanding can be suppressed by an irrational wish, but can't be conjured away. In the long run, we must accept also unwanted facts, because striving for impossibilities is vain.