The Problem with Proximate Cause
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Highlights
- When considering a failure I have to manage my natural human instinct to draw simple cause and effect style narratives. It can be surprisingly hard to deny myself the emotional satisfaction of a quick and easy explanation. I have to work hard to delay judgement and continue to patiently gather information. When I do it right, I find myself reminded of the Zen parable of the farmer whose horse escaped. His neighbors comment to him what bad luck he has had and he replies “maybe.” His horse returns with seven wild stallions and his neighbors comment on what good luck he has had and he replies “maybe.” His son attempts to break one of the stallions and breaks his leg, prompting his neighbors to once again lament his luck to which he replies “maybe.” The next day the army comes to conscript his son to service but cannot because his leg is broken. What good luck, right? Maybe.