Relativity
Relativity highlights that an individual cannot fully comprehend a system from within; objective understanding requires stepping outside the situation to adopt an observer's perspective.
THE IDEA
36. Relativity
This theory has multiple applications in different contexts in physics. The most widely used concept from this law, however, is the fact that an individual is incapable of fully comprehending a system of which they are part.
A person in a plane may not physically feel the motion of the plane, but an observer can observe the movement that is occurring.
Similarly, in personal situations, when a person is in the middle of an event or situation, they cannot judge it from an objective perspective because they are immersed in it and can only see it from one perspective. To objectively judge a situation, we must first remove ourselves from it on a mental level and access it from an observer's point of view.
When to use it
When evaluating a personal disagreement, consciously adopt the perspective of a neutral third party to reduce bias.
In business strategy, step back from daily operations to assess the company's position from an industry-wide viewpoint.
When troubleshooting a technical problem, consider the system as a whole rather than focusing only on the component you are directly interacting with.
In learning a new skill, periodically reflect on your progress as if you were your own coach, noticing patterns you might otherwise miss.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
In a moving plane
A passenger inside a smoothly flying plane does not feel the speed of the aircraft, but an observer on the ground can clearly see the plane moving rapidly. Being part of the system (the plane) prevents direct perception of its motion.
Personal conflict
During an argument, each person feels their own perspective is correct. It is only by stepping back and imagining the situation from an outsider's viewpoint that one can assess the conflict more objectively.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a recent decision you made. How might your immersion in the situation have biased your judgment? What would an impartial observer see?
In a current project or problem, what would change if you mentally stepped outside the system and analyzed it as an outsider?
Identify a situation where you felt trapped in a limited perspective. What steps could you take to gain a more objective view?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)