Meaning: This quote by Kevin Kelly, the founding executive editor of Wired magazine, highlights the interconnectedness of a system and its environment. When Kelly refers to "turbulence," he is likely alluding to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the environment in which organizations or organisms operate. This turbulence can take the form of economic shifts, technological advancements, social changes, or any other external factors that can impact the system. However, Kelly suggests that this turbulence is not merely an external force acting upon the system; rather, it is an inherent part of the system itself.

In the context of organizations, this quote underscores the idea that external disruptions and changes are not separate from the organization but are, in fact, intertwined with its functioning and development. Organizations do not exist in isolation; they are constantly influenced by and adapting to the turbulent external environment in which they operate. This requires organizations to be flexible, responsive, and adaptable in order to thrive in the face of external turbulence.

The concept of turbulence being a part of the organization or organism aligns with systems thinking, a holistic approach to analyzing and understanding complex systems. Systems thinking recognizes that a system is not just the sum of its individual parts but also includes the interactions and relationships between those parts. In this view, turbulence is not an isolated external force but is instead integrated into the system's dynamics, affecting its behavior and evolution.

Moreover, the quote implies that organizations and organisms are not passive recipients of turbulence but are active participants in shaping and responding to it. This perspective emphasizes the agency and autonomy of the system in navigating and adapting to its environment. Rather than being solely at the mercy of external turbulence, the system plays a role in influencing and being influenced by the changes around it.

Kelly's quote also suggests that understanding and managing turbulence is essential for the survival and success of the organization or organism. By acknowledging turbulence as an intrinsic part of the system, it becomes imperative for organizations to develop strategies for resilience, innovation, and change management. Embracing turbulence as an integral aspect of the system's reality can lead to a proactive approach to addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities presented by external changes.

Additionally, the quote prompts us to consider the implications of turbulence on the stability and sustainability of the system. Turbulence can create both risks and opportunities for the system, and how the system responds to and incorporates turbulence can significantly impact its long-term viability. This underscores the importance of organizational agility and adaptability in the face of a constantly changing environment.

In conclusion, Kevin Kelly's quote encapsulates the idea that turbulence is not merely an external force acting upon a system but is an inherent and integrated aspect of the system itself. This perspective underscores the interconnectedness of the system and its environment, the need for adaptability and resilience in the face of turbulence, and the active role of the system in shaping its response to external changes. Embracing turbulence as an intrinsic part of the system's reality can inform a more nuanced and proactive approach to managing and thriving in a dynamic and uncertain environment.