General Systems Theory is a name which has come into use to describe a level of theoretical model-building which lies somewhere between the highly generalized constructions of pure mathematics and the specific theories of the specialized disciplines. Mathematics attempts to… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
A second possible approach to general systems theory is through the arrangement of theoretical systems and constructs in a hierarchy of complexity, roughly corresponding to the complexity of the "individuals" of the various empirical fields... leading towards a "system of… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
[In science any model depends on a pre-chosen taxonomy] a set of classifications into which we divide the enormous complexity of the real world...… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
If we saw tomorrow's newspaper today, tomorrow would never happen. — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
It is clear that the building of models is not a purely mechanical process but requires skill of a high order - not merely… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
Even personal tastes are learned, in the matrix of a culture or a subculture in which we grow up, by very much the same… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
In view of the importance of philanthropy in our society, it is surprising that so little attention has been given to it by economic… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
Humble, honest, ignorance is one of the finest flowers of the human spirit — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
[The question for the behavioral disciplines is simply] what is better, and how do we get there? — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
[Even the mechanism can be endowed with an image. Thus] the thermostat has an image of the outside world in the shape of information… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
Economic problems have no sharp edges. They shade off imperceptibly into politics, sociology, and ethics. Indeed, it is hardly an exaggeration to say that… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
The world moves into the future as a result of decisions, not as a result of plans. Plans are significant only insofar as they… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
Mathematicians themselves set up standards of generality and elegance in their exposition which are a bar to understand. — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
The concept of need is often looked upon rather unfavorably by economists, in contrast with the concept of demand. Both, however, have their own… — Kenneth E. Boulding Copy Share Image
![“A second possible approach to general systems theory is through the arrangement of theoretical systems and constructs in a hierarchy of complexity, roughly corresponding to the complexity of the "individuals" of the various empirical fields... leading towards a "system of systems." [...] I suggest…” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eca/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_animal_a-second-possible-approach-to-general-sy_1597191.jpg)
![“[In science any model depends on a pre-chosen taxonomy] a set of classifications into which we divide the enormous complexity of the real world... Land, labor, and capital are extremely heterogeneous aggregates, not much better than earth, air, fire, and water.” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47e/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_air_in-science-any-model-depends-on-a-pre-ch_12383.jpg)
![“[The question for the behavioral disciplines is simply] what is better, and how do we get there?” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/50a/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_discipline_the-question-for-the-behavioral-discipli_272939.jpg)
![“[Even the mechanism can be endowed with an image. Thus] the thermostat has an image of the outside world in the shape of information regarding its temperature. It has also a value system in the sense of the ideal temperature at which it is set. Its behavior is directed towards the receipt of…” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bf0/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_behavior_even-the-mechanism-can-be-endowed-with-a_292365.jpg)
