---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In an expanding universe, Spencer had…"
description: "\"“In an expanding universe, Spencer had said, order was not really order, but merely the difference between the actual entropy exhibited and the maximum..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55c/kim-stanley-robinson-2148_expanding-universe_in-an-expanding-universe-spencer-had-sai_1582729.png"
---

#  In an expanding universe, Spencer had said, order was not…

![“In an expanding universe, Spencer had said, order was not really order, but merely the difference between the actual entropy exhibited and the maximum entropy possible.” quote by Kim Stanley Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55c/kim-stanley-robinson-2148_expanding-universe_in-an-expanding-universe-spencer-had-sai_1582729.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55c/kim-stanley-robinson-2148_expanding-universe_in-an-expanding-universe-spencer-had-sai_1582729.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55c/kim-stanley-robinson-2148_expanding-universe_in-an-expanding-universe-spencer-had-sai_1582729.png)

> ““In an expanding universe, Spencer had said, order was not really order, but merely the difference between the actual entropy exhibited and the maximum entropy possible.””

[Kim Stanley Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kim-stanley-robinson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Order emerges from the gap between actual disorder and the theoretical maximum, highlighting that apparent structure is relative to entropy levels.

**In simple terms:** Order is the difference between current chaos and possible maximum chaos.

Key Takeaway

Recognize that order is relative, not absolute.

Themes

entropy order thermodynamics cosmology

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

scientific philosophical

When to use this quote

- space travel planning
- climate modeling
- organizational design
- risk assessment

Key Concepts

physics philosophy systems theory

Questions to Reflect On

- How does entropy influence our perception of order?
- Can we harness entropy for beneficial outcomes?

A Different Perspective

Entropy concepts can be misinterpreted, leading to fatalistic attitudes.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Expanding universe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expanding-universe/)

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