Law of Unintended Consequences
The “Rule [Law] of Unintended Consequences” says that though one works hard to come up with a new and better solution for something, whether a software program or a peace treaty or anything in between–there will always be more problems that come along as a result–these are unintended consequences–along the lines of Murphy’s Law.
-Unknown
A quick comment:
I’ve seen this on several occasions, and would argue that sometimes these unintended consequences makes some things not worth their trouble whole at other times just come with the territory and therefore don’t rule out their necessity.
I don’t think there is anything of significance that will not have some unfortunate, uncontrollable and unintended consequences.
The key here is that the intended consequences far exceed the unintended consequences.
Call this a creed of utility…where the greater good overrules the lesser evils that come with it. But whatever you call it, many decisions have been made that take both into consideration.
The only folly is unintended consequences that were not seen as possible and that is the main issue of this quote.
What to do with this quote
Always think through the possibilities of a solution or a policy and try to gauge the possibilities, such as unintended but potential consequences.
Think for moment of the Titanic. Though in was unintended that the ship ever sink, this was an unintended consequence of it, not as a consequence of swimming but rather as a consequence of swimming through waters with ice…and then not having enough rafts to prepare for this…or thinking the ship was too grand to ever risk…
It is because of unintended consequences that exceed their good, that politicians and leaders fail.
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Tags: Law of Unintended Consequences, Unintended Consequences
