I think that we are getting to the point where we are tripping over definitions. Fortunately ecologists seldom talk about equilibrium any more, which is a state where fluxes are zero and all biological organisms are dead -- a stagnant pool is a good analogy. The steady state is like a running stream, characterised by constant fluxes. But I have argued that we are more likely to encounter cyclic phenomena, such as the annual pattern in many areas of spring flooding followed by summer drought. Spring floods may or may not be destructive, depending on how we prepare for them. Drought does not necessarily lead to degradation, if we plan responsibly. But the cycles continue whether or not we deal with them wisely or not.
Unfortunately human populations do not seem to have learned to regulate social cycles in a reasonable way. Growth leads to overcrowding and stress, which is relieved by disease or war. Economic growth used to lead to drastic cycles of rampant inflation and deep depression, but in some countries we have begun to regulate things a bit better and only worry about mild recessions. The economy of countries like Zimbabwe is another matter. I would prefer to see us look for ways to regulate these cycle phenomena better, as we have with western economies, than strive for a steady state which in my opinion is an unrealistic goal. But we have a good discussion going on, let's see where it leads us. Bill Silvert ----- Original Message ----- From: "Wayne Tyson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2007 3:03 AM Subject: Re: Equilibrium/Steady State and Complexity/Evolution > PS: As to "steady-state," I envision it as a living, cyclical process > like homeostasis that does not oscillate to the point of destruction > or degradation (that, of course, requires definition, but if "we" can > mostly agree on the direction of movement in that direction, that > might have to suffice until some saviour comes along). I seriously > doubt that there is any such thing as "static," or staying the same > forever, except as a mental concept that deludes one into thinking > along obsessively linear lines, leading to obeisance to authority and > "respect" for the hierarchy.
