¶ Structure
Index Entry
Everybody thinks they know the meaning of the word ‘structure.’ They point to a stone wall, bridge, or barn, saying ‘that’s a structure.’ But what is really meant by the word structure? What is common to a steel bridge, a wooden barn, a jumbo jet, an iceberg, a starfish, a star, a fern, a diamond jewel, an elephant, a cloud, and a human baby? They are all structures. Some are more versatile. Some last longer than others. Why? Why does the stone, wood, and steel cohere at all?
Understanding a little more about structure could lead to a better understanding of the economic and political dilemmas of our time. Political and economic systems are structures, often so ill-conceived as to require constant local patching and mending. Even structural engineering has, as yet, failed to adequately comprehend, define, and cope with structure.
