Donella Meadows

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Complexity in models

  “Models can easily become so complex that they are impenetrable, unexaminable, and virtually unalterable.”

  Our noteDonella Meadows was discussing the pitfalls of the system dynamics method.

• Envisioning the future

  “The future can't be predicted, but it can be envisioned and brought lovingly into being. Systems can't be controlled, but they can be designed and redesigned.”

  Our noteShe was explaining how to interact with systems that resist change.

• Focus on facts

  “Starting with the behavior of the system forces you to focus on facts, not theories. It keeps you from falling too quickly into your own beliefs or misconceptions, or those of others.”

  Our noteShe was discussing why observing actual behavior is crucial for systems thinking.

• Respect existing value

  “Before you charge in to make things better, pay attention to the value of what's already there.”

  Our noteShe was warning against the impulse to change systems without understanding their current utility.

• Learning through iteration

  “What's appropriate when you're learning is small steps, constant monitoring, and a willingness to change course as you find out more about where it's leading.”

  Our noteShe was describing the correct approach to learning within an uncontrollable system.

• Beyond quantifiable metrics

  “Pay attention to what is important, not just what is quantifiable.”

  Our noteShe was emphasizing that values like justice and love cannot be precisely measured but are vital.

• Judging by behavior

  “Purposes are deduced from behaviour, not from rhetoric or stated goals.”

  Our noteShe was explaining how to identify the true purpose of a system or organization.

• Limits to growth

  “There always will be limits to growth. They can be self-imposed. If they aren't, they will be system-imposed. No physical entity can grow forever.”

  Our noteDiscussing the inevitability of constraints on physical and organizational expansion.

• Impact of delays

  “Changing the length of a delay may utterly change behavior. [...] Overshoots, oscillations, and collapses are always caused by delays.”

  Our noteExplaining how feedback delays cause instability in systems.

• System purpose

  “The least obvious part of a system, its function or purpose, is often the most crucial determinant of the system's behavior.”

  Our noteSummarizing the key determinants of how a system functions.