Humans have a deep-seated preference for simplicity, directness and logic. We are analog creatures built to manage the variability of the real world, yet whenever we think abstractly, we strongly desire straightforward tools and concepts. Greek atomism, materialism, Euclidean geometry, the whole is the sum of the parts, fixed Bible language and meaning, mechanical leverage, Aristotelian formal logic, Cartesian coordinates, Newtonian physics not crazy quantum mechanics, light as wave or particle but not both, the ether as background of space, simple Mendelian laws of genetics, fixed, detailed laws, train tracks, binary computer logic, simple voting rules, etc.

We struggle with grey, indeterminacy, probability, uncertainty, tension, and dynamics. I think the success of Newton and science; the whole Enlightenment and scientific method have reinforced this bias. We seek objective reality, science and morals and instinctively back away from relativity and subjectivity. We really like Jesus when he reduces the moral law to “love God, love neighbor” but struggle with the mystery of the trinity, the paradox of fully man/fully God and riddles like “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

My academic, career and personal background align with the deterministic view of the world. Degrees in economics, math and finance. Two professional accounting certifications. Presbyterian. Adjunct professor. Meyers-Briggs INTJ. Really strong thinking and judging. Moderate center-left politics. Library board member. Career experience in IT, quality control, process engineering, manufacturing, distribution, supply chain management, and logistics. Numbers guy. Back office.

According to F. Scott Fitzgerald, “the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” I read this circa 1977 and “knew” it was pompous BS. I read Marx and his descriptions of “organic wholes” and “knew” they were simply a poor substitute for reason.

I have this same deep desire for order, clarity, directness, transparency, logic, understanding and control. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I have learned that the universe really doesn’t work like that. I’ve learned that God does not give us direct access to infinity or eternity or specific promises. I have learned that scientists, mathematicians and philosophers don’t believe in a deterministic world. I’ve learned that businesses leverage probability, processes, portfolios, projects, culture and flows that can’t be controlled.

I share this topic because I believe that most Americans unknowingly subscribe to a linear, direct, numerical, objective, deterministic, realistic view of the world. I think that politicians, advertisers, managers, preachers, teachers, counselors, neighbors and leaders share this view and reinforce it without knowing that there is an alternate view. The very best thinkers and doers embrace a world that allows for multiple views, multiple dimensions, uncertainty, grey, win/win, possibilities, art, music, religion, spirituality, love, community and neighbors to be real.

We have mostly embraced the single dimension, simplistic, polarized, right versus wrong, Manichean version of politics sold to us since 1990, to our combined detriment, IMHO.

My National FFA Organization colleague, Bill Stagg, advised me to always use automobile analogies when communicating complex ideas like this. Here we go!

Modern automobiles evolved from horse drawn carts, steamships and trains. Cars don’t look much like the trains or interurbans that dominated the US from 1900-40. They aren’t confined to predefined tracks! They have wheels that allow them to follow many roads. They have rubber tires, not wooden or steel wheels. This absorbs shocks, grips the road, and steers with slippage in dry and wet conditions. They have shock absorbers between the wheels and carriages. They have steering. The [power] steering has room to allow for “play”. They have bumpers. They have multiple gears for different speeds. They have clutches to buffer the force of the engine. They have differentials to buffer the power to each wheel. They have coiled springs in their seats. The brakes gently squeeze a metal plate. Windshield wipers are made of rubber to grip, but not too tightly. Engines are lubricated with oil. Transmissions are lubricated similarly. Braking systems are based on liquid pressure rather than mechanical devices.

This is aside from anti-lock braking, collision avoidance/lane warnings, air bags, cruise control, fuel systems, braking energy capture, etc.

The modern automobile uses buffers everywhere because they are most effective in the real world.

We should all follow this example. The very best “systems” provide for some slippage, buffering, shock absorbing, uncertainty, gearing, flexibility, gripping, and lubrication. They are never fully “direct”.

This principle applies to all systems, even our political system. The US political system is indirect. Checks and balances. House and Senate. Federalist. Electoral college. The “flexibility” is a planned feature, it is not a bug.

Happy motoring!