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The system problem is essentially the problem of the limitation of analytical procedures in science. This used to be expressed by half-metaphysical statements, such as emergent evolution or ‘the whole is more than the sum of its parts,’ but has a clear operational meaning.

— Ludwig von Bertalanffy General System Theory (1968)

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More quotes by Ludwig von Bertalanffy

Progress is only possible by passing from a state of undifferentiated wholeness to differentiation of parts.

General System Theory (1968)

What in the whole denotes a causal equilibrium process, appears for the part as a teleological event.

Wholeness [Ganzheit], Gestalt, is the primary attribute of life.

Kritische Theorie der Formbildung (1928)

The stream of life is maintained only in continuous flow of matter through all groups of organisms.

Apparently, the isomorphisms of laws rest in our cognition on the one hand, and in reality on the other.

General System Theory (1968)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Ludwig von Bertalanffy (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.