Equilibrium
A state of balance where opposing forces or processes are equal, resulting in no net change. Systems at equilibrium resist perturbation but are not necessarily static.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 19 chapters:
"All of this happens automatically, constantly, using significant energy. Homeostasis is not passive equilibrium. It's dynamic equilibrium - constant active adjustment to maintain stability despite changing external conditions. Here's the mechanism: homeostas..."
"Instead, positive feedback creates a rapid, localized plug. The pattern is universal: positive feedback drives systems away from equilibrium, toward a new state. It's inherently unstable - which is exactly why it works for processes that need to happen now and then stop. Most biological..."
"... team worked so hard" or "it's strategically important." Biology doesn't care about sunk costs. Neither should you. Step 7: Monitor for Punctuated Equilibrium On March 11, 2020, a corporate travel management company had $400M in annual bookings, 600 enterprise clients, and a roadmap focused on AI-powered..."
"The rising cost of hierarchy maintenance predicted its collapse. When maintaining pecking order costs more than establishing new equilibrium, revolution becomes rational. --- Part 3: Frameworks for Establishing and Maintaining Pecking Orders Framework 1: The Hierarchy Clarity Dia..."
"...er territories undetected - Completely avoid combat - Sneak matings from independents and satellites - Reproductive success: 3% of copulations The equilibrium mathematics: If independents get 12% success for 100% effort: - Cost per offspring: 8.3× average male investment If satellites get 8% success for..."
And 14 more chapters...
Biological Context
Populations at equilibrium have births equal to deaths. Chemical reactions at equilibrium proceed in both directions at equal rates. Ecosystems may reach dynamic equilibrium where composition fluctuates around stable averages. Equilibrium can be stable (returns after perturbation) or unstable (collapses after small changes).