First-order cybernetics is the science of observed systems; Second-order cybernetics is the science of observing systems. Heinz von Foerster More Quotes by Heinz von Foerster More Quotes From Heinz von Foerster Hard sciences are successful because they deal with the soft problems; soft sciences are struggling because they deal with the hard problems. Heinz von Foerster problem successful struggle Act always so as to increase the number of choices Heinz von Foerster increase choices numbers Objectivity is the delusion that observations could be made without an observer. Heinz von Foerster observation objectivity made If you desire to see, learn how to act. Heinz von Foerster seeing vision desire Objectivity is a subject's delusion that observing can be done without him. Heinz von Foerster objectivity insight done Cybernetics is NOT the banana. Heinz von Foerster cybernetics bananas What we need now is the description of the "describer" or, in other words, we need a theory of the observer. Heinz von Foerster description theory needs Something that cannot be explained cannot be seen. Heinz von Foerster The environment as we perceive it is our invention. Heinz von Foerster invention perceive environment Should one name one central concept, a first principle, of cybernetics, it would be circularity. Heinz von Foerster circularity principles names Either Stone Age man was a technological wizard, who carefully removed his technological achievements so as not to upset his inferior progeny, or our population dwindled from a once astronomical size to the mere three billions of today. Heinz von Foerster upset age men
