THE LIMITATION FOR "SAFE SPACES"​ IMPOSED BY THE LAW OF REQUISITE VARIETY

From https://www.panarchy.org/ashby/variety.1956.html --- a Swiss-hosted website, embodying, apparently, the Swiss philosophy of living

[Ashby's law of requisite variety was also hinted at by an earlier discussion of the limitations of the Maxwell demon by Norbert Wiener in his cybernetics book; the Demon can act only on the information received, and its perceptions will be limited by its quality]

"This is a central law for the proper functioning of every mechanical and biological entity. It constitutes a refutation of the pretended absolute necessity of concentrating power in a central apparatus (the state) as the only way to solve problems (or, in general, to deal with reality) in a complex society.

This principle then disposes of the myth (still cherished by journalists and sociologists in search of easy popularity) that extraordinarily complex situations demand the concentration of extraordinary powers in a central entity.

In fact, the law expresses the exactly opposite view, declaring, with the support of logical reasoning and empirical evidence, that only variety can master variety, reducing disturbances and promoting harmonious order.

Regulation is then possible only if the regulating system is as various and flexible (responsive to changes) as the system to be regulated.

Once we get rid of that myth we are ready to explore all the rich implications of the Law of Requisite Variety and we, as individuals, can advance greatly towards finding real and appropriate solutions for the (supposedly) intractable problems of contemporary life."