Similar to the butterfly effect in a way. Looking at a regression model as an example in equation form: Y = a + bX + e Some "proportion" of a phenomenon is u

Similar to the butterfly effect in a way. Looking at a regression model as an example in equation form: Y = a + bX + e Some "proportion" of a phenomenon is understood. However, many things are not immediately understood but only seen to be a factor in explaining a phenomena if looking at things from a very complete, long term perspective. Something which we are unlikely be able to do. Many people can feel when an action produces a ripple effect. Now think of tons of ripple effects interacting, some influential, some not, etc. Anyway, back to the equation - we have +e the error term, which is the uncertainty that any such explanation will fully predict how something plays out. I think what you're getting at is the error term also has characteristics. One of those properties could be that certain things advance all, others are bad for all. Just to tie it back to your other comments.