Circular Causality · Feb 2026
Feedback Loops
In a linear world, A causes B. In systems, Feedback means B
loops back and affects A. Understanding which loop is active allows you to
predict if a system will grow exponentially or stabilize toward a goal.
01/The Chain of Logic
=
Feedback: Circular chain where output feeds
back as input.
.
Precedent: Essential for biology, economics,
and climate science.
02/The Two Engines
REINFORCING (R)
Snowball Effect. Exponential
growth or total collapse.
BALANCING (B)
Thermostat. Stability,
stagnation, or goal-seeking.
03/CLN Representation
Mapping
CLN forces you to move from linear lists to causal cycles:
+
REINFORCING: Knowledge
. More notes → Better
clarity
. Better clarity →
More motivation
. More motivation →
More notes
-
BALANCING: Body Weight
. Hunger detected →
Eat food
. Energy levels rise
→ Hunger stops
04Identify the
Dynamic
.
R-loops are engines of growth. Protect them.
.
B-loops are barriers to change. Dissolve them
to grow.
!
Critical: Linear plans fail because they ignore
the return of the loop.
*
Self-Test: Is a "vicious cycle" reinforcing or
balancing? ||
Reinforcing. It is a snowball effect working in a
negative direction. ||