Behavior Quote by Kenneth E. Boulding
![“[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)
“[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 information which will bring its image and its value systems together.”
About This Quote
Source Book: General Systems Theory, 1966
Thermostats model perception and goals, integrating external data with internal standards to guide behavior.
In simple terms: Thermostats combine image and value to act.
Key Takeaway
Design systems that align perception with goals.
Themes
systems
perception
goals
feedback
control
Mood
analytical
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
technical
When to use this quote
- engineering design
- AI decision making
- environmental monitoring
- personal habit formation
Key Concepts
cybernetics
information theory
value alignment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure values stay adaptable?
- What limits arise when image and value diverge?
A Different Perspective
Complex systems may oversimplify human motivations.
![“[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_behavioral_the-question-for-the-behavioral-discipli_272939.jpg)
