The virtue of excellence

Fundamentals

  • 1st Law:  Feedback dominates ( aka Rates not States)
    • Because of the Meta Law:  Expect errors
      • Expectation/prediction is ALWAYS statistical.  
      • Prevention isn't good enough.  Plan for mitigation.  
    • Given enough time, the feedback system overwhelms the initial state.
      • Evolution, Economics, Education, Agile Software, Lean Manufacturing, OODA warfare, etc.  It's all the same problem.
  • 2nd Law:  Words won't get you there (to understanding)
    • Because Brain Bunnies
      • Modular brains with after-the-fact justification
      • Historical, Current, and Future selves have 3 different preferences on what you should do now.
      • The verbal bunnies are few and weak.
    • Because Monkeybrains!
      • The Grand Delusion:  Some persons are not acting like monkeys.
      • Status drives Monkeybrains
      • Arguments are about persuasion (NOT TRUTH), which is about status.
  • 3rd Law:  Scarcity defines power.
    • Monopoly/Cartel generates HUGE power-differentials. 
      • Governments are the primary Monopoly and the primary Monopoly/Cartel-creator.
      • Almost no (de Boers) monopolies or cartels have ever been successful in world history for more than a few years without aggressive government support.
    • Exit upends the power dynamic towards those able to exit.
      • The fundamental way to empower the citizenry is to make exit easy.  
    • IP is insane.
  • 4th Law:  Wealth is the (only) social metric.
    • All values are marginally purchaseable
    • Because of the first law...Growth Rate is the meta-metric.
UPDATED 3/2/13 -- ordering of laws has changed.