The threshold of sanity

It is possible that any system has a maximum share of insanity that can be sustained before it breaks down. The smallest of systems, an individual's brain, is a good example. Most humans have some level of insanity – an inability to respond rationally to stimuli. As long as the percentage of the brain that houses insanity is below a threshold, it is able to function. When the threshold is breached, the person is diagnosed with a mental disease. Without proper treatment, the system breaks down catastrophically.

Conceivably, this is true for complex systems also – such as human societies, cultures, religions and countries. If insanity is kept below the threshold, the system functions and if it exceeds the threshold, the system breaks down. It is possible that this threshold percentage is universal and if so, it can be determined empirically. Then a continuous measurement of the insanity quotient of the system will provide early warnings to the onset of a collapse.

At the human brain level, this is a bit easier. Inconsistency in responses has been used as a proxy for insanity – in psychological tests used for nuclear engineers and military personnel. In a complex system, such as a country, instruments can be created to take cross-sectional measurements of insanity in the members, controlling for extraneous factors. Such measurements are also useful for smaller systems such as companies, legislators and religious leaders.

A continuous measurement of the insanity quotient has become not only useful but also necessary to avoid significant disruptions.