optilibrium 2

ok, several days later...

the other day i introduced the "principle" of optilibrium - the idea that nature functions best under optimal conditions, and that nature always strives to achieve equilibrium (that is, balance)...

now i want to apply this concept to the philosophy of anarchist living... but i'll use an "organisation" to start with:

as i mentioned in the previous post, the human body has a "negative feedback loop" which continually monitors, and helps maintain balances... so the first idea i want to present for maintaining "optilibrium", is a good feedback loop...

this idea is nothing new, really, "good" organisational practice allows for regular review and (where necessary) revision - incoming information is analysed, and actions based on that analysis are proposed and implemented... but problems can arise very quickly: the incoming information isn't passed on correctly (or at all); the information isn't given due consideration; the proposed actions aren't carried out properly... these are all faults in the feedback loop, but i would suggest that the "general" reason for their occurrence, is a lack of optimal conditions... the "receptors" might be afraid to pass on anything but good news, the "control centre" mightn't want to accept that things aren't going according to plan, the "effectors" might lack the ability or know-how to carry out the proposed actions... or any number of other reasons, which make an effective feedback loop, utterly useless... despite the feedback loop being in place, the conditions aren't optimal for achieving balance...

so, what are the optimal conditions?

i think that the examples given above for possible breakdown in the loop, show "intimidation", "deception" (including self-deception), and "inexperience", as three likely factors - though obviously these are just three from a large number of possibilities... the "receptor" is afraid of the implications of passing on accurate information (ie. bad news), the "control centre" is trying to deceive itself (and perhaps others) about the progress being made, and the "effector" lacks the experience to be able to perform its function... let's look at each in turn:

the receptor: why is the receptor afraid? has the control centre intimidated it? (well, of course - because this is what "control" does! hehehe)... does it have low self-esteem? a need to please? the reason could be any of these or more, but the problem remains the same... and the optimal condition? the receptor needs to feel "enabled" to be open about the information it passes on - and not only the information, but any intimidation that it feels...

the control centre: why does it feel the need to deceive others or itself? is its "career" at stake (or its opportunity for advancement)? is it trying to maintain morale? is it concerned that others might not "respect" it? well, once again, it could be all of these... but once again, the optimal condition (i would suggest), is that it needs to feel "enabled" to be open and honest about current situations, as well as the concerns which cause it to want to deceive...

the effector: inexperience isn't such a big deal - we're all inexperienced the first time we try something... the problem is in not owning up to our inexperience... it's this idea that we're somehow less of a person if we have to ask for help... but then, perhaps this fear of owning up to inexperience is justified? ...well, once again - the effector needs to feel that there is space for them to express their feelings of inexperience, or lack of knowledge for the task (or perhaps it is just a lack of confidence)...

each of these needs to feel that there is a space for them to be perfectly honest and open... this, i think, is one aspect of the "optimal condition"... honesty, and an appreciation of honesty... of course, from an anarchist perspective, the implied "hierarchy" of the above organisation is probably the greatest inhibitor to honesty and its appreciation, as well as the major contributor to the feelings of intimidation, deception, and inexperience (or lack of confidence)...

so, i think it can be seen from this (inadequately) brief analysis that regardless of the presence of a feedback loop, any attempt to maintain equilibrium in the absence of optimal conditions is not going to be as effective as it could be...

tomorrow, i'll analyse how this idea of optilibrium could be incorporated into a person's outlook...