Anupam- The Dreamer

When we look at the world around us, we would find that there is always a quest for attaining equilibrium with the environment or surroundings. And when things are not at equilibrium, then the circumstances propel things to attain equilibrium in any which way. And in this situation, two scenarios can happen- one, either the system will achieve a new equilibrium OR two, the system will crumble under stress imposed from the environment. This is not a new theory that I am proposing, this is one of my favourite theories of all time! It’s called the “Systems approach”.

It says that there is a system, there is an environment and there is a boundary separating the system and the environment. Anything and everything in the world can be considered as a “system”, for example, your own body, an organization, a society, a government, a country, and even our planet earth! And there is constant interaction of the system with its environment through the boundary through exchange of energy, matter or anything.

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Let me demonstrate this in many affairs of life, hopefully you can also take out something good in understanding and improving your own quality of life. So, let’s begin….

To understand simply, let’s take an example of the weather conditions around us. The “system” here is our body. When there is normal weather, our body is in equilibrium with our surroundings, that’s why we are healthy! When, the weather suddenly changes to severe cold or severe heat or incessant rains, then there is change in environment. So, the “system” i.e. body comes under huge stress, so it again tries to attain equilibrium. Like, we try to cope up with winters, by wearing warm clothes, eating warm food, avoiding staying in extreme cold for long. If we attain equilibrium, we remain healthy. And if we are not able to achieve it, then we fall ill! That means, our system has failed. Now, even with our failed system i.e. ill body, we go to the hospital, where we undergo treatment, then again the body attains a new equilibrium, and we turn healthy! So, this quest of equilibrium continues every moment of life.

Now, take the example of an organization or a company like Nokia which produced button-wala feature phones. In 2000s and early 2010s, these Nokia mobiles were a huge hit! But, when the technology (environment) was changing towards smartphones, this company (system) did not change and came under huge stress! As it could not cope with the changing environment, so it failed! Consequently, Nokia phones were wiped out from the market within a few years, which were otherwise a huge success in the earlier environment! Similarly, some of the public sector companies of India, came under huge pressure of LPG reforms in 1990s and crumbled under severe competition from global companies. Some others reformed themselves and adjusted with their new environment, attained a “new equilibrium” and hence they continue to survive even today.

One of my favourite example, take this planet as a “system”. The global warming is changing the environment around us in myriad ways, and putting huge stress on the otherwise stable planet. There are numerous examples which warn us that our system is failing like changing weather patterns, changing nature of extreme events like floods and droughts, wildlife extinction etc etc. If we continue to put our system under stress, one day it will go beyond the coping capacity of the planet and it may not achieve equilibrium again. And when that happens, only God can save the humanity, and plant and animal species around us!

The examples can be many, but I think you got the point!

Now, let’s explore a different dimension. If the world around you is changing constantly (which it is!), and you don’t change, then you will come under huge stress! Now, you have got two options (as Mussadilal says दो बातें होंगी)- either you will change to attain a new equilibrium or you will face the threat of extinction! The people who do not find equilibrium between their inner world and their outer world face the same question. Either, you modify your own world view or you don’t. If you can attain a “new normal equilibrium”, then you will be just fine, and if you can’t, then the stress can manifest in different ways, physical or mental. I think now you can understand for yourself, where and how want to extrapolate that further. Some unfortunate incidents of suicides in young children, happen when their “system” fails to cope up with the external pressure.

Now, that you are aware of this amazing theory called “Systems approach”, you can use it to understand, describe and improve your current situation for the better.

Till next time….