MENTAL MODEL · M2527

Dissipative Structures

SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

A system far from equilibrium can spontaneously generate ordered structures from chaos by continuously exchanging matter and energy with its surroundings (dissipation). - Example: vortices, living organisms, thriving cities. They all consume energy to maintain their order. -

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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The principle of creating order from chaos. - It overturns the notion that "stability is good." If a company or team is in an "equilibrium state" (stagnant), it will die (entropy increases). Only by remaining open (Open System), continuously introducing external pressure, new information, and energy flows (far from equilibrium), can the system...

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Prigogine pointed out that when an open system far from equilibrium crosses a critical point, fluctuations are amplified and form spatiotemporal ordered structures through nonlinear interactions. The system maintains this order by continuously dissipating energy and matter; once the exchange is cut off, it returns to disorder (entropy increase).

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Diagnose whether the system is open and far from equilibrium (whether there is a continuous flow of energy/information)
actively introduce external pressure and new information to create "necessary tension"
tolerate and amplify beneficial fluctuations (small experiments, trial and error)
let local order spread through feedback to become the overall structure.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

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Source support: Explicit

link
zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%80%97%E6%95%A3%E7%B3%BB%E7%B5%B1ZH · Explicit
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