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General systems theory is the scientific exploration of "wholes" and "wholeness" which, not so long ago, were considered metaphysical notions transcending the boundaries of science. Hierarchic structure, stability, teleology, differentiation, approach to and maintenance of steady states, goal-directedness — these are a few of such general system properties.

— Ervin László Introduction to Systems Philosophy (1972)

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Philosophy

More quotes by Ervin László

We are living in a time of dissent, upheaval, revolutions and struggle, frequently aimed at mutual destruction.

Systems at each level of integration function as wholes with respect to their parts and parts with respect to higher level wholes.

Introduction to Systems Philosophy (1972)

Cultures are, in the final analysis, value-guided systems.

The systems view of the world (1996)

Opposed to atomism and behaviorism, the systems view of man links him again with the world he lives in, for he is seen as emerging in that world and reflecting its general character.

Introduction to Systems Philosophy (1972)

Each system has a speciﬁc structure made up of certain maintained relationships among its parts, and manifests irreducible characteristics of its own.

Introduction to Systems Philosophy (1972)

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In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true is true or becomes true, within certain limits to be found experientially and experimentally. These limits are further beliefs to be transcended.

John C. Lilly The Human Biocomputer (1974)

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