Quick Reference
Everything you need to understand Coherence Dynamics Theory in 5 minutes.
Adaptive systems maintain coherence when correction spreads faster than deviation.
Drift: Systems naturally deviate from direction (like entropy, but for direction)
Realignment Loops: Detect deviation → Regulate → Return to direction
Coherence: Ability to repeatedly return to direction despite drift
Resonance: How directional constraints spread through coupling
Coherence requires that coherence propagation outpaces drift propagation. When drift spreads faster through your system than correction, fragmentation wins.
Example: One toxic team member's negativity spreading faster than leadership's culture reinforcement.
When realignment keeps failing, the problem isn't your effort—it's your direction. Persistent drift signals regime unsustainability. You need a new direction, not better correction.
Example: Constantly "getting back on track" with a diet that doesn't fit your life = drift signal to change regime, not effort.
The best regime transitions are orthogonal to the failure mode—they sidestep the constraint rather than opposing it. Anchored orthogonal leaps (AOLs) preserve identity while changing direction. Schismatic divergences (SDEs) rupture coherence entirely.
Example: Can't stick to rigid meal plans? Go orthogonal: track protein only, ignore calories. Different axis, same identity core.
Drift is natural. Systems that never drift are dead systems.
Coherence is consistent return, not flawless adherence.
Knowing when to change direction is adaptive intelligence.
Orthogonal leaps anchored in identity vs. ruptures severing it.
Is this drift or regime failure?
→ Drift: occasional deviation, returns with correction
→ Regime failure: persistent deviation despite repeated correction
Is coherence propagating faster than drift?
→ Track: How fast does realignment spread vs. misalignment?
→ If drift wins the race, you're fragmenting
Does your new direction emerge from your identity core?
→ AOL: same attractor basin, new vector
→ SDE: different basin, coherence rupture
Are you opposing or sidestepping the constraint?
→ Opposing: incremental, often fails
→ Sidestepping (orthogonal): changes the axis entirely
Homeostasis, immune regulation, metabolic stability
Attention, executive control, task focus
Teams, organizations, cultural alignment
Ecosystem stability, trophic cascades
Distributed systems, consensus protocols
Self-regulation, habits, identity coherence
Couples, families, attachment patterns
Markets, institutions, policy drift