We’ve heard the saying, “If a butterfly flaps its wings in Japan, it can cause a tornado in Texas.” While that sounds nonsensical, there is actually some truth to it. That idea is what scientists refer to as the butterfly effect. Here’s a closer look at what the butterfly effect is and how it connects us all.
by David Stone
The butterfly effect is the concept that small things can have non-linear impacts on a complex system. In other words, one small change can create a ripple effect that has far-reaching consequences.
The term was first coined by American meteorologist Edward Lorenz who observed how sensitive weather patterns were to small changes. He used the example of a hurricane potentially being prevented if someone had walked outside and not stepped on a particular butterfly.
Of course, Lorenz’s example was just hypothetical but it does illustrate how interconnected we all are. Our actions, no matter how small, can affect others in ways that we may never even know or realize.
That is why it is so important to be mindful of our words and actions and to always seek to do good in the world because you never know how far your act of kindness may ripple out and touch others’ lives.
Conclusion:
We are all connected in some way, whether we realize it or not. Our actions have an impact on those around us, even if we don’t know it or see it. So let’s all strive to do good in the world and be mindful of our words and actions because we never know how far our kindness may ripple out.
Before the Door Closed
The May 14 RIOC board meeting began with public concern over the steam plant and ended with two votes that revealed more than any report could. Some meetings announce themselves by what is said. This one announced itself by what the room permitted to move and what it stopped before it could breathe.
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