Self-transcendent systems

Natural systems (whether physical entities like atoms or trees or social systems, languages or any evolving process) are permanently in a condition of change. They are not only changed by their environment but they also change their environment which consequently alters the effect the environment has on them; they can therefore be referred to as self-transcendent. Human development systems based on self-transcendence - which are open to change while in progress - might be expected to be more effective and in tune with the natural order of things, even if less predictable.