Complicated Quote by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
“Don't disturb complicated systems that have been around for a very long time. We don't understand their logic. Don't pollute the planet. Leave it the way we found it, regardless of scientific 'evidence'.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, 2012
Long‑standing complex systems are fragile to interference because their inner logic is hidden; preserving them avoids unintended harm.
In simple terms: Complex systems are fragile; don’t mess with them.
Key Takeaway
Respect and protect established systems.
Themes
complexity
preservation
uncertainty
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- technology maintenance
- organizational change
- infrastructure upgrades
Key Concepts
systems theory
antifragility
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden mechanisms might we overlook?
- How can we balance innovation with stability?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑understood systems can be disrupted by good intentions.
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
