Introduction
In today’s world, things are often oversimplified into short and memorable phrases (such as “Stop the Boats”, “Make America Great Again”, “Get BREXIT Done” and so on)
While these phrases will often summarise what needs to be done, but do not reflect the complexity of what actually needs to be done
These changes are often very complex, and because “everything is connected to everything else”.
Hence I thought I would discuss this area in more detail.
Where did the phrase come from?
The phrase “Everything is connected to everything else” was popularised by the American biologist and ecologist Barry Commoner in his 1971 book The Closing Circle. It forms the basis of his First Law of Ecology, which emphasises the deep interdependence of natural systems.
While rooted in ecology, this idea has since become a guiding principle in systems thinking, philosophy, and everyday life.
At its heart, the statement is a reminder that no action or event exists in isolation; every choice, process, or disturbance ripples outward to affect the larger whole.
Ecological Meaning
In ecology, Commoner’s phrase highlights how tightly woven natural systems are. A forest, for example, cannot be understood simply as a collection of trees; it is a dynamic web of soil organisms, plants, animals, water, and air. If pesticides are sprayed to kill insects, those chemicals may accumulate in birds that eat the insects, then move up the food chain to humans.
A more visible example is climate change: burning fossil fuels may seem like an energy choice, but it alters atmospheric chemistry, raises global temperatures, disrupts weather systems, and threatens biodiversity. In short, every ecological action is connected to broader consequences.
Furthermore, as noted in the introduction at the top, political change is far more complex than often presented because it involves changing a blend of legal, cultural, regulatory, social, etc elements.
Broader Applications
Outside of ecology, the principle applies to many areas of life:
- Economics: A supply chain disruption in one country can cause inflation and shortages worldwide, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Social Systems: A single social media post can influence millions of people, changing opinions, spreading misinformation, or sparking social movements.
- Personal Life: Choices as simple as buying a cup of coffee link an individual to global networks of farmers, transport systems, and markets.
Philosophical and Spiritual Dimensions
Philosophical traditions also affirm this idea. In Buddhism, the doctrine of dependent origination teaches that nothing exists independently; everything arises through relationships. Indigenous worldviews often describe the Earth as a living web, where humans, animals, and land are interwoven.
Similarly, systems theory in modern science insists that wholes cannot be understood merely by analyzing their parts. These perspectives all converge on the recognition of interdependence.
Conclusion
When Commoner declared that “everything is connected to everything else,” he offered more than a scientific observation.
He gave us a way of thinking that fosters responsibility, mindfulness, and humility; as well as highlighting that things are often far more complex than they actually look.
Whether we consider ecosystems, economies, or human relationships, the principle reminds us that our actions have consequences beyond what is immediately visible. Understanding this truth can guide wiser decisions — from protecting the environment to shaping more sustainable societies.
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