Complex systems Quote by Sidney Dekker
““In complex systems, after all, it is very hard to foresee or predict the consequences of presumed causes. So it is not the consequences that we should be afraid of (we might not even foresee them or believe them if we could). Rather, we should be weary of renaming things that negotiate their perceived risk down from what it was before.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error, Sidney Dekker, 2006
Complex systems are unpredictable; fear should focus on hidden risks rather than visible outcomes.
In simple terms: Unpredictable systems need caution about hidden risks.
Key Takeaway
Watch for hidden risks, not just obvious outcomes.
Themes
risk
complexity
prediction
uncertainty
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advisory
reflective
When to use this quote
- engineering projects
- policy making
- risk assessment
- organizational change
Key Concepts
systems theory
human factors
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify hidden risks?
- What signals indicate a risk is being downplayed?
A Different Perspective
Renaming risks can mask true danger.
