Location 282:

The behavior of a system cannot be known just by knowing the elements of which the system is made.



Location 291:

I have yet to see any problem, however complicated, which, when looked at in the right way, did not become still more complicated. —POUL ANDERSON1



Location 295:

A system* is an interconnected set of elements that is coherently organized in a way that achieves something. If you look at that definition closely for a minute, you can see that a system must consist of three kinds of things: elements, interconnections, and a function or purpose.



Location 324:

The elements of a system are often the easiest parts to notice, because many of them are visible, tangible things.



Location 389:

Keeping sub-purposes and overall system purposes in harmony is an essential function of successful systems.