Advantage Quote by Guy Davenport
“Something of the previous state, however, survives every change. This is called in the language of cybernetics (which took it form the language of machines) feedback, the advantages of learning from experience and of having developed reflexes.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Architecture of the Human Brain, 1995
Feedback is the mechanism by which systems retain useful aspects of past states despite continual change, enabling learning and adaptive reflexes.
In simple terms: Feedback lets systems keep useful parts while changing.
Key Takeaway
Leverage feedback to improve and adapt.
Themes
learning
adaptation
systems
feedback
experience
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- organizational change
- technology design
- education
- coaching
Key Concepts
Cybernetics
reflexes
systems theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify useful feedback loops?
- What feedback might be limiting you?
A Different Perspective
Feedback can reinforce harmful habits if not critically examined.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
