The fundamental point in fabricating a chain reacting machine is of course to see to it that each fission produces a certain number of neutrons and some of these neutrons will again produce fission.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A chain reaction requires that each fission event releases neutrons that trigger further fission events.
- In plain terms
- To keep a reaction going, each step must start more steps.
- What can you take from it?
- Sustainable systems need self-reinforcing loops.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes your system self-sustaining?
- Where are the weak links in the chain?
Another view
Uncontrolled feedback can lead to runaway effects.
More from Enrico Fermi
Never underestimate the joy people derive from hearing something they already know.
Permalink to quote #11 Whatever nature has in store for mankind, unpleasant as it may be, men must accept, for ignorance is never better than knowledge.
Permalink to quote #13 Never be first; try to be second.
Permalink to quote #10
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