Causes Quote by Gregory Bateson
“Perhaps there is no such thing as unilateral power. After all, the man in power depends on receiving information all the time from outside. He responds to that information just as much as he causes things to happen... it is an interaction, and not a lineal situation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Steps to an Ecology of Mind, Gregory Bateson, 1972
Power is relational; leaders rely on external information, making authority a two‑way interaction rather than a one‑way command.
In simple terms: Authority depends on information flow.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate open information channels.
Themes
power
information
interdependence
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
systems
When to use this quote
- leadership training
- organizational design
- policy making
Key Concepts
systems theory
feedback loops
Questions to Reflect On
- How does feedback shape leadership decisions?
- What happens when information is withheld?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on information can create vulnerability.
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