Biology Quote by John Hagel
“In order to survive, all systems must evolve by providing greater and greater access to the currents that flow through them. This applies to all physical, biological and social systems that survive and thrive… But let’s take that one step forward... the systems just described are ... constantly evolving. This suggests another design principle: ... design for evolution rather than creating a static design optimizing for the present.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Pull by John Hagel, John Seely Brown, and Lang Davison, 2010
Systems that adapt by increasing access to resources survive longer; design should enable continual evolution rather than static optimization.
In simple terms: Adaptable systems thrive by evolving.
Key Takeaway
Design for change, not just current efficiency.
Themes
adaptation
design
systems
evolution
Mood
forward‑looking
strategic
Type
prescriptive
inspirational
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- technology development
- environmental policy
- organizational change
Key Concepts
complexity
feedback loops
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you embed flexibility into current projects?
- What resources can you open up to accelerate evolution?
A Different Perspective
Static designs may become obsolete quickly.
