Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M2359

Principle of Least Resistance

Principle of Least Resistance
SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Systems or behaviors tend to choose the easiest, lowest-cost path rather than the objectively optimal one, leading to the entrenchment of suboptimal outcomes.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

The tendency of systems to evolve along the path of least resistance rather than the optimal path.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Systems are analogous to water flow: resources and actions always tend toward the path of least resistance. The mechanism is effort minimization and path dependence.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Path_of_least_resistanceZH · Explicit
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