Assumptions about complexity

The current discussion about digitization repeatedly reveals the concept of “complexity”. This phenomenon is defined in terms of system theory and can occur when many components are connected. So, if there are effects that are due to a cause, that relationship is given. It is often difficult to associate a phenomenon with a cause. However, it is possible, albeit with great effort, to produce this correlation analytically. Basically, the system is “merely” complicated. This is especially true if the outcome of an activity can be predicted. If I had just written an e-mail with a valid recipient address and press the send button so I’m sure how it goes out – the recipient will receive the mail. In between lies a very complicated machine – the global IP-based mailing system. Users do not worry and the experts understand it. Now, however, there are events in systems that are not traceable to any clear cause. These are the complex systems. When I set an activity in such a system, it has no immediate and comprehensible effect. There are side effects, long-distance, delayed and exponential effects. As an acting person, you can feel this phenomenon when you have tried everything and nothing works anyway. Then you are pretty sure in a complex system. Who comes home after an intense working day in the evening and states: “Now I have toiled a whole day and NOTHING has gone on”. In fact, one does not know at this point what has really gone on, because the effects occur somewhere else or at other times.

Experience in dealing with complex systems we have more or less. There is hardly a real education for it with the exception of a Cybernetik study, which in turn is not very common. What could you do?

An especially good opportunity to study complex systems is offered by some selected TV series. You have the opportunity to learn as an uninvolved observer. Noteworthy is the season 7 of GoT. Complexity expands there against the backdrop of the zeitgeist. The following blog article: GoT 7.Prolog. If you want something more contemporary, you could use the series House of Cardes.

Basic rules for acting in complex systems:

  1. Every activity has its effect.
  2. Disturbances evoke, shorten the reaction time.
  3. More of the same does not help.
  4. Before the time is timely.

Each system has its own resonant frequency. Synchronizing with it saves time and energy.

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