202402251453 Shifting the burden to the intervener

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This systems trap is the trap of addiction. This can be individual things like alcoholism or drug addiction, or it can be larger scale things like dependence on fossil fuels or government subsidies. This is caused by a state that must be maintained through constant intervention (the taking of pain killers or the powering of a nation via non-renewable, extractive means).¹

As with all traps, the best way out is by not getting into this trap to begin with. In this case, it's not simply rhetoric, but an important step to take by attempting to strengthen the system to shoulder its burdens by itself instead of intervening. This can also be a way out of the trap once we've fallen into it. Ask yourself: why are the natural correction mechanisms failing? How can obstacles to their success be removed? How can mechanisms for their success be made more effective?