Introduction
While in college, I had an American history professor who said that when a bully pushed a kid into a corner and kept pushing him, the kid would eventually push back (he phrased it a bit more crudely, but adults might read this article). You might have guessed that he told this story to explain how countries will react. Push them too far, and they will respond.
That professor was giving an example of the systems law highlighted in this article.
Push Back Law
The harder you push a system, the harder the system pushes back
Because systems contain “compensating feedback,” well-intentioned interventions frequently stimulate responses from the system that offset the benefits of the original interventions.
The higher lawmakers raise minimum wages, the higher the resulting unemployment.
The more lawmakers attempt to regulate segments of the market, the more frequent the occurrence of black markets or illegal activities.
Comment
When cars increase their speed, they burn more gasoline for each additional mile per hour. The air, which is part of this transportation system, “pushes back.”
Law enforcement activities frequently receives “push back” from the community to which it belongs.
If you strike a brick wall, you will receive “push back” commensurate with the blow you deliver.
I am sure you can think of better examples. I just want to prime your thinking.
Conclusion
Don’t get this “law” confused with the frequently misunderstood Newton’s 3rd law of motion. The response from pushing a system will seldom, if ever, be equal and opposite. Just keep in mind that any action against a system will stimulate a response. Don’t say, “I did not expect anything to happen.” Always say, “I did not expect that to happen.”
I could come up with better examples of this “law.” I want you to think of your own.