Take a Stand against Enshittification

An overemphasis on efficiency is the opposite of sustainability and longevity. Relying too much on mechanical systems and processes, while initially efficient, ultimately prevents true innovation. The more a company depends on these systems, the less valuable its offerings become over time. The solution is to embrace a more conscious, innovative approach to rise above enshittification.

Enshittification aka the Law of Entropy

Enshittification – noun. Rendering something that was previously okay or even positive into a steaming pile of shit. – Urban Dictionary

Entropy – noun. Gradual decline into disorder. In physics, the second law of thermodynamics states that entropy always increases with time. – Google.

In simple terms, enshittification is entropy. It is a self-evident law of physics that mechanical systems break down. Also self-evident is the fact that human-made systems must be renewed and/or advanced via human intervention and genuine innovation.

Processes of any kind represent a codification of prior innovation. A mechanized tool, function, or automation, however effective at improving the efficiency of a task is also an Achilles heel in terms of innovation.

Case Study: If all you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail. The West, reliant on hammer and nails, missed out on the superb beauty, resilience, and longevity found in the conscious arts of ancient Japanese carpentry and architecture. Most wooden structures in The West are at best a few hundred years old.

Ironically, Japanese carpenters use mallets—a tool very similar to a hammer—to knock adjoining pieces of wood into place, securing them with wooden fasteners, pegs, key blocks, etc. An island prone to typhoons, tsunamis, and earthquakes, Japan has many wooden buildings that have stood the test of time for over a thousand years and more.

Ergo: If all you have is mechanical systems and processes, everything goes to hell. The secret sauce of Japanese carpentry’s exceptional resilience can be found in the conscious awareness of wood as a living building material and respectful application of its nature. Similar insights into living matter are behind the impressive longevity of ancient stone and Roman concrete structures, whereas we will be lucky if our concrete lasts decades.

Takeaway: efficiency is the antithesis of sustainability, resilience, longevity, and legacy. The more reliant you are on mechanical systems and their promises, the less valuable your products and services will be, and the sooner you will have to face customer backlash.   

You can double-down on mechanical systems and processes bound to the law of entropy and make your last stand against the rising tide of market decline. Or you can embrace superior metaphysical law at last, take a stand, and rise above a tsunami of enshitification.