“The elements, the parts of systems we are most likely to notice, are often (not always) least important in defining the unique characteristics of the system—unless changing an element also results in changing relationships or purpose.”
More from Donella H. Meadows
“The time lags imposed by stocks allow room to maneuver, to experiment, and to revise…”
“A stock takes time to change, because flow takes time to flow.”
“A system generally goes on being itself, changing only slowly if at all, even with…”
“Changing [a system's] elements usually has the least effect on the system.”