On the subject of critical mass, you should look at John Miller's articles about standing ovations. It's a lovely simple model of growth of something from a smattering of individual responses into a mass behavior.
-- rec -- On 11/1/06, Phil Henshaw <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > As I began to learn how to identify coherent emerging systems that were 'out > of control' , but working quite smoothly, I also began to discover the many > terms of natural language that pertain to the subject. Natural language is > not 'rigorous' but is quite 'rich' in systems knowledge. It developed > while we were immersed in natural systems as we learned to speak about life > and the world. > > As such, terms like 'critical mass' are recent but loose in their meaning, > and actually do refer to deep natural system structures that critical > thinkers still seem to be having trouble with. In that way, natural > language is a haven for talking about complex subjects that science is not > ready for. The things of the world that develop from a 'critical mass' > include civilizations, movements, snow flakes and species. > > I find a good incubator for change also requires that a critical mass have a > little quiet. It seems to be because new order begins with very small and > very delicate patterns that grow, and do not catch hold without a rich > growth medium and a period of quiet within which small things can develop. > Both of these features are fascinating to look for at the mysterious > beginnings of growth curves. > > I ran across a rather good book of common language natural systems theory > recently, a book on economics written by the great urban critic, Jane > Jacobs, called "The Nature of Economies". It may also become seen as an > excellent primer on the principles for a sustainable world. It's quite > lucid and full of emerging complex systems examples. > > > > The concept of critical mass, in my opinion applies not only to physics, > > but to decision making and even to governance (I am ex-UN); perhaps > > it takes not only an inherently adaptable and rational governmental > > structure but a critical mass of staff within the structures and > > agencies who carry out their responsibilities more or less honestly. > > Critical mass can also explain why some ideas or movement > > explode and bring change while others do not. Conceptual catalysts > > and crisis are sometimes essential. > > > Paul Paryski > 20 > Sangre de Cristo Dr. > Santa Fe, NM 87506 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > ============================================================ > FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv > Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College > lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org > > ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org
