Theory of the World
A personal archive of ideas, models, and perspectives on our complex world.
Perspective over time. Across disciplines. Beyond convention.
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Use a keyword, theme, title fragment, or idea to move beyond the newest essays and into the full body of work.
Featured Essays
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Is the Goal Specific and Clearly Stated
Is the goal specific and clearly stated? Is the goal measurable and based on data? Is the goal attainable and realistic? Is the goal…

Rule-Based Engines as a Micro-Model for Management
Rule-Based Engines as a Micro-Model for Management By Dr Riaan Steenberg A listed company does not fail because nobody had opinions.

Cost of Factoring
Cost of Factoring By Dr Riaan Steenberg Factoring looks attractive when cash is tight. A customer owes you money. The invoice is valid. The…

Public participation must trigger change
Public participation is often treated as a meeting. A notice is issued. People attend. Officials present. Community members speak. Minutes are taken. A…

What makes distance education study guides different
A distance education study guide is not a set of lecture notes. It is not a textbook summary. It is not an administrative document…

Reforms Are Ultimately Concerned with
Reforms are ultimately concerned with more efficient and/or equitable use of resources, goods, and services.
Reading Map
Choose a path.
This archive is not only chronological. It is a field guide to recurring questions about meaning, learning, leadership, enterprise, systems, and the work of becoming more capable.
Begin with the self
Start with the newly separated Theory of the World essays: identity, meaning, inner freedom, fear, and renewal.
Read the newest edge
Move into the most recent essays when you want the current signal and the latest public argument.
Enter the deep archive
Older essays are not background noise. They hold early versions of ideas about teams, systems, management, and personal agency.
Open a territory
Choose a larger field when you want breadth instead of a single next article.