Why Patterns Appear Spontaneously in Dissipative Systems?
  It is proposed that the spatial (and temporal) patterns spontaneously appearing in dissipative systems maximize the energy flow through the pattern forming interface. In other words - the patterns maximize the entropy growth rate in an extended conservative system (consisting of the pattern forming interface and the energy bathes). The proposal is supported by examples of the pattern formation in different systems. No example contradicting the proposal is known. 
Kestutis Staliunas