System Entropy: The Physics of Saving Democracy

As a System Engineer, I often look at the world through the lens of physics. One of the most fundamental rules of our universe is the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which introduced the concept of Entropy.

Basically, it says that all systems will naturally move from order to chaos unless they are acted upon by an outside force.

The systems we build are no different. Be it our gardens, our homes, our relationships, or our government... these systems require a unique energy to remain in good order.

The ultimate energy to stave off chaos in our human systems is simply caring.

Without caring, the gardens we grow will fall. Our households will become a mess. Our relationships will fade away. And if we are not careful, our government of the people, by the people, and for the people could perish from this earth.

I view caring as having two distinct components: attention and action.

Right now, we have a government moving rapidly toward chaos. We need to pay attention when the President enacts and retracts tariffs on a whim, lies about the affordability of our lives, and uses the Department of Justice to settle personal scores. We need to pay attention when families are separated without due process and our healthcare system is decimated.

And we need to pay attention when the Republican-led Congress enables him.

But as Pink Floyd said, “it is not enough to just stand and stare.”

The natural state of the universe is chaos. The deliberate state of a democracy is order. We need to act. Plan. Organize. Speak what we see. Be ready to vote.

We are the outside force. Let’s get back to work.