The first law of ecology - we can never do just one thing

Summary

• We can never do one thing. Whenever we interact with a system, we need to ask, “And then what? What will the wider repercussions of our actions be?”

Details

• Everything we do affects something else, and likely more than one thing
• Externalities (an unintended consequence) affect everyone.
• They may be minor, but they can also compound over time.
• They can be positive or negative.
• When interacting with a system, ask, 'and then what?' to consider externalities

References

• fs.blog
• Filters Against Folly, Garrett Hardin

Related

• The Simple Dollar » What’s Next Thinking About the Future
• Ask what is the next action on this project
• Nobody will escape the consequences of their choices