Collier, John. “Out of equilibrium: New approaches to biological and social change.” Biology and Philosophy 8, no. 4 (1993): 445-455.
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Most of us suppose that disequilibrium is bad, stability is good, and that turbulence is best avoided. We strive for tranquillity and balance. These prejudices are so firmly entrenched that they are built into our language. Reversing these truisms goes against the grain of our thought. It is not surprising that they influence scientific theorising as well. Science, however, does not always support “common sense”. Contemporary biology tells us that we are composed of complex organic molecules embedded mostly in water, along with a few other things. These molecules don’t just sit there, like the atoms of a diamond; they are constantly moving, transforming and interacting in complex cycles. These cycles aren’t like the eternal cycles of the classical solar system; they transform, interact, and rearrange themselves as we grow, metabolise and senesce. Stability and equilibrium are not the hallmarks of life. Equilibrium is death. Stasis and congestion produce disease. Change and turbulence make life possible.