The Shirky principle states that institutions tend to preserve the problems they solve, prolonging the issue for their own benefit. This can be seen in examples such as tax-filing companies lobbying against free tax filing options to maintain profits. The principle can apply to individuals and different types of entities, leading to unintended consequences. Accounting for the principle can help understand, predict, and modify behaviors. Related concepts like Parkinson’s Law and Hanlon’s Razor show how inefficiency can arise when entities are focused on preserving problems. Understanding the Shirky principle can provide insights into various behaviors and decision-making processes in different contexts.
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