The classics would cast out all error and start from scratch in a repetative notion and complete the edifice with perfect regularity. I leave it to you to figure out which method used more intelligence. But there is a similarity here. The Indian theory ballyhooed of late is that the universe's patterns are actually based upon the body pattern of a human being. I think this is true and it shapes the way we function.
Fractal application is a Greek pattern of regularity.
Very sophisticated but still evolving from the basic geometric theory of numerology or regularity. It is odd that I see great ugliness in fractal patterns. They have so much color and are responsible for so much mechanical diversity. However they are totally useless to me artistically. About the only value they have theoretically is a quaint discussion piece or point of interest.