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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systemantics | 2/2 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systemantics | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T08:56:54.605255+00:00 | kb-cron |
=== Elementary systems functions === A complex system cannot be "made" to work. It either works or it does not. A simple system, designed from scratch, sometimes works. Some complex systems actually work. A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that works. A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work. One has to start over, beginning with a working simple system.
=== Advanced systems functions === The Functional Indeterminacy Theorem (F.I.T.): in complex systems, malfunction and even total non-function may not be detectable for long periods, if ever. The Newtonian Law of Systems Inertia: a system that performs a certain way will continue to operate in that way regardless of the need or of changed conditions. Systems develop goals of their own the instant they come into being. Intrasystem goals come first.
=== System failure === The Fundamental Failure-Mode Theorem (F.F.T.): complex systems usually operate in a failure mode. A complex system can fail in an infinite number of ways. (If anything can go wrong, it will; see Murphy's law.) The mode of failure of a complex system cannot ordinarily be predicted from its structure. The crucial variables are discovered by accident. The larger the system, the greater the probability of unexpected failure. "Success" or "function" in any system may be failure in the larger or smaller systems to which the system is connected. The Fail-Safe Theorem: when a fail-safe system fails, it fails by failing to fail safe.
=== Practical systems design === The Vector Theory of Systems: systems run better when designed to run downhill. Loose systems last longer and work better. (Efficient systems are dangerous to themselves and to others.)
=== Management and other myths === Complex systems tend to produce complex responses (not solutions) to problems. Great advances are not produced by systems designed to produce great advances.
=== Other laws of systemantics === As systems grow in size, they tend to lose basic functions. The larger the system, the less the variety in the product. Control of a system is exercised by the element with the greatest variety of behavioral responses. Colossal systems foster colossal errors. Choose systems with care.
== Reception == Money stated in 1978 that the author "clearly set out to write another Peter Principle". A 1977 review in Etc: A Review of General Semantics states that the book's aim is unclear, commenting, "As a put-down of institutional practices it works well, as good as anything in print", but "As a slam at systems theory the book is less successful, even ambiguous." A Library Journal review from 1977 comments, "Like some of its predecessors, the book pretends to rebuke people for their manifold stupidities, but is, in fact, an invitation to take pleasure in them. That's not a failing, just a fact. Recommended." A 2004 review in the American Society of Safety Professionals' Professional Safety says, "It is at once deadly serious with all the outrageous contrived irony of Gary Larson's 'Far Side' cartoons" and that "the book is one continuous insight after another." PCMag called the book "small but insightful".
== See also == The purpose of a system is what it does – Systems thinking heuristic Cascading failure – Systemic risk of failure
== References ==
== Sources == Gall, John (2003). The Systems Bible: The Beginner's Guide to Systems Large and Small (3rd ed.). Walker: General Systemantics Press. ISBN 9780961825171. Gall, John (1986). Systemantics : The Underground Text of Systems Lore. How Systems Really Work and How They Fail (2nd ed.). Ann Arbor: General Systemantics Press. ISBN 9780961825102. Gall, John (1978). Systemantics : How Systems Really Work and How They Fail (1st ed.). New York: Pocket Books. ISBN 9780671819101.
== External links == Bart Stewart's Explanation of Systemantics Commentary on the principles of "Systemantics", by Anthony Judge c2 wiki entry on Systemantics