A thoughtful business associate and friend gave me a book before a recent Board meeting. I glanced at it and thought it would be an interesting read but believed I already understood the topic. The short book by Andy Andrews told several amazing stories and provided excellent insight to living a life of “permanent purpose”. “The Butterfly Effect”, How your life matters, gave me a new perspective on my own actions and those of others. In 1963, Edward Lorenz presented a hypothesis to the New York Academy of Science, the theory was ridiculous—“a butterfly could flat its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, in turn moving more molecules of air—eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet.” Although the idea was not consider scientific it did generate many science fiction movies, comic books, and other myth and legends. The fact that it created many other actions is proof in itself that the “effect” theory is valid.
Imagine the shock wave in the scientific community, when more than 30 years after Lorenz postulated the effect; “physics professors working from colleges and universities worldwide came to the conclusion that the butterfly effect was authentic, accurate, and viable.” The effect now has the status of a law, “The Law of Sensitive Dependence Upon Initial Conditions”. I encourage you to invest the hour it will require to read the book and I will not give away the examples cited that leave no question that every human action and interaction has repercussions into the future.
Although you will find them as synonyms, the ripple effect and the butterfly phenomenon are unique. They Butterfly effect relates to long-term unpredictable changes. The ripple effect is measured in short term incremental reactions. The aggression at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7 changed the world immediately. Isoroku Yamamoto, the Japanese Admiral who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor gave some thought to the potential ripple it would create, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” That attack resulted in the US declaring War on Japan the next day and entering the European conflict against Hitler a few days later. Under excellent leadership, the US pulled together to mobilize to defend our country and democracy.
Ripple, butterfly effect, contagion are synonymous. We are living through the Covid contagion which we were assured was “under control.” I wonder if the people who died needlessly or their families agree. The implications of the disease were downplayed but the “effect on our world” is ongoing.
Another type of contagion, kindness should be encouraged and rewarded. Kindness is repeated by that those who experience it or provide it and other’s emulate the behavior. Studies prove ‘“kindness has a significant effect on well being…..kindness can lower the effects of stress. Levels of feel-good hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin are the ripple effect of kindness.
My brother Jack exemplifies a life well lived and its “butterfly effect.” Five accomplished sons, five grandchildren plus one on the way, and the best spouse ever. He has made a difference in the Pocatello community, his church, in his exceptional Dental practice and at Idaho State University teaching hygiene and at the Dental residency. He is going to awh-shucks me, but it’s the truth. His kindness is an ongoing ripple maker. Join me in wishing Jack happy 75th birthday.
It’s the season to think of others, do yourself a favor and opt for kindness as the best political potion. Getting vaccinated, wearing a mask are acts of kindness for our family and community. Take good care. Mike