Principles of Healthy Living Systems

Main Features or Principles of Healthy Living Systems 

(from cells to organisms, ecosystems to Earth, bodies to businesses)

• 1. Self-creation (autopoiesis) 
• 2. Complexity (diversity of parts) 
• 3. Embeddedness in larger holons and dependence on them (holarchy) 
• 4. Self-reflexivity (autognosis/self-knowledge) 
• 5. Self-regulation/maintenance (autonomics) 
• 6. Response abilityto internal and external stress or other change 
• 7. Input/output exchange of matter/energy/information with other holons 
• 8. Transformation of matter/energy/information 
• 9. Empowerment/employment of all component parts 
• 10. Communications among all parts 
• 11. Coordination of parts and functions 
• 12. Balance of Interests negotiated among parts, whole, and embedding holarchy 
• 13. Reciprocity of parts in mutual contribution and assistance
• 14. Efficiency balanced by Resilience
• 15. Conservation of what works well 
• 16. Creative change of what does not work well

Elisabet Sahtourisevolution biologist & futurist