My daughter, Amy, sent me a link to this video (I think she “stumbled” upon it – I DO recommend “stumbling“!)
I think it is WONDERFUL.
I think this is a fabulous representation of how everything is connected. Whatever we do has consequences and impacts in unpredictable ways. This is actually a great example of why a complex system is so impossible to control – the characteristics of complex systems include networks of connections between things which means that a change in any part of the system changes the whole system; that outcomes are highly dependent on the starting conditions; that emergence occurs – new phenomena; and that every situation is unpredictable in the details.
Thank you Amy!
Heroes Not Zombies 
I love this video! For pretty much exactly the reasons you stated.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I think we often wish we could go back and change something, thinking that this would fix a current problem / change a situation, but it wouldn’t necessarily change it for the better. That’s a great video. And what an interesting way to suggest not only how a small thing can affect so many things, but also how we are all connected to each other in some way.
You also can’t control things!
When I was a teenager, I had the exact same thought, “that you can’t change one thing without changing everything!” I dismissed the thought thinking that I am hallucinating or something, or that I am too stupid. I wish I knew about networks…
Consider it more that you should make ripples in the pond wisely. I am not a puppet of fate. I make my own luck. I know that I can build, or tear down, and sometimes both are needful things. It is just a matter of choosing when to build, and what, and where. Sometimes just one act of unconditional kindness starts a domino effect that ripples quite far.
Thanks Autumn Song. I agree, it’s a great video isn’t it? And it really does get us thinking about how complex the connections are between us and how only changing one thing results in unpredictable cascades of changes in others.
I agree, too, sugarmouse, this is a good illustration of how we can’t control things. See your teenage wisdom turned out to be pretty good after all, didn’t it?
Oh yes, Kat, isn’t that true? One act of unconditional kindness can spread its ripples far……as can one act of cruelty. I think that’s one of the reasons why we should do our best to live aware lives and not stumble blindly through life like zombies, spreading fear and havoc everywhere! And, it’s the same thinking for me which makes me so optimistic about life. I really do believe that by our individual acts of kindness and understanding that we spread ripples of goodness. In fact, I reckon that’s the only way to change the world actually – every one of us every single day consciously choosing loving, creative words and actions.
Wow! that was thought provoking stuff.
I love the light that shines with every individual as the outcome unfolds . . . . and the little girl being able to see the DJ. . . . . . children do have a great clarity of thought (and vision) . . . . as Sugar Mouse found . . . . but we adults have to be prepared to listen 😉