Lines of Thinking
Here are lines of thought that are shaping the vision and development of Unfettered Mind.
Growth Processes vs. Manufacturing Processes
Several years ago, I read a series of lectures on the nature of technology by one of Canada’s leading scientists (Ursula Franklin, The Real World of Technology). One point she made has always stayed with me: the distinction between growth processes and manufacturing processes. In the former, one seeks to maximize potential and minimize disaster, while in the latter, one seeks to maximize output and minimize costs. Gardening and child rearing are classic growth processes, while the assembly line and just-in-time systems are classic manufacturing processes. One can argue that many of the problems in the modern world can be attributed to the application of manufacturing technologies to growth processes.
The misapplication is, in my view, almost always prevalent in institutions, be they modern multinational corporations or medieval Tibetan monasteries. Large institutions have to rely on systems. People and materials are pushed through them to produce the desired outcome, whether it be laptops, MBAs or lamas.
Growth processes are, by nature, unpredictable, and must have the ability to respond to a wide range of conditions. They require recognition and understanding of the context in which growth takes place, and are unique to each individual. To foster growth, one has to create the right conditions and be willing and able to respond to unexpected changes. One can’t just rely on repeatable tasks or programmed steps. It’s people and relationship intensive, as it should be.
Next: Behavior of People in Systems>>>
