Unintended Consequences (3 May)

Margaret Wheatley (Leadership and the New Science) warned us in the 1990s: “Probably the most visible example of unintended consequences is what happens every time humans try to change the natural ecology of a place.” Her view picks up on Adam Smith’s eighteenth-century concept of an “invisible hand” that may bring about results that bear no obvious resemblance to original intentions. Wheatly’s revival of that way of thinking casts light on the origins of modern nervousness over sustainability.

And in line with that understanding, the two sides of this graphic depict the subtle but inescapable workings of Samsara, our old friend from an earlier post. Followed from left to right, the visual story transitions from a scene of flourishing abundance to one that while still recognizable is in decline. The wild ducks have flown, and in addition the iris is no longer in bloom and the rushes have all but died. Worse still, the shoreline further back has evolved into a stony and less welcoming strip, and the forest is showing signs of bare branches. The basic setting does remain much the same each time but it’s not quite identical. Both stretches of water appear to invite us for a quiet paddle, yet on the right-hand side a good deal of the initial charm has slipped away. The deterioration is not night-and-day but it’s real, and that’s the point. A thoroughly blatant contrast would be too simple… Samsara takes us in by keeping things ‘good enough’ but never ‘just right.’ Such is the “almost if not quite perfectly untarnished realm” invoked on the back cover of the novel.

Most readers will have their own recollections of enchanting yet precarious scenarios. Georgian Bay’s splendid but fragile landscape ranks high among mine. After all, premonitions of an actual or impending downturn all too often point to reality. If you agree, add a remark or two in the comment section. And delve into Providence Point to sojourn page after page in a delectable world of undoubted if volatile beauty.

(Illustration generated by AI)