Saturday, March 03, 2012

On Unstable Equilibrium 1.0

1.0 Unstable equilibrium is a precarious balance.  A small push can send the unstable object falling one way or another.  Like physical objects, social systems, cultures, economies, religions, governments and other human constructs may exist in such as state.  Unlike the boulder balanced upon a pebble, the critical point is difficult to identify until after the fact of its collapse.  Its boundaries are unknowable, yet graspable with insight, intuition and observation.  Absent such, false interfaces are much more likely to take hold.  Most cannot get high enough to see far; others all too easily.  Boosts do not leave an appreciation for the climb.  In the end, all problems seem too easy--yet still overwhelming.  The view is not much help.  Details matter.

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