Seeing the Whole: Systems Thinking in Everyday Life
When our species started out, survival required broad awareness. While early humans lived in small groups, individuals still needed to understand how food was obtained, how shelter was built, how danger appeared, and how mistakes led to immediate consequences. Decisions were closely tied to outcomes. If something failed, the reason was visible and personal. As societies grew, cooperation increased and specialization emerged. People began to focus on specific skills while depending on others for the rest. This division of labor brought efficiency, stability, and progress. Over time, however, interdependence intensified. In modern society, we rely heavily on specialists, corporations, and global supply chains for almost every aspect of life—from food and clothing to healthcare and communication. This deep interdependence has made societies closely knitted, but it has also reduced the need for individuals to understand the whole process. Responsibility became fragmented. People learne...