Strong, Stable, Open: Choose Two - in search of an article

post by Eli_ · 2025-01-31T14:48:21.438Z · LW · GW · No comments

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I recall a LessWrong article that significantly influenced my thinking, but I haven't been able to find it again. However, when I ask ChatGPT about it, it can summarize the key points. 

I believe you're referring to the concept often summarized as "Strong, Stable, Open: Choose Two." This idea suggests that a group or institution can only optimize two out of these three qualities simultaneously:

1. Strength: The group's ability to enforce norms and maintain internal cohesion.
2. Stability: The group's capacity to endure over time without significant internal disruptions.
3. Openness (Accessibility): The group's inclusiveness and ease of entry for new members.

The principle posits that:

• A group that is strong and stable tends to be less open, as maintaining cohesion and stability often requires selective membership and controlled access.
• A group that is strong and open may struggle with stability, as the influx of new members can introduce diverse perspectives that challenge cohesion.
• A group that is stable and open might lack strength, as inclusivity can lead to diluted norms and weaker enforcement mechanisms.

This framework is discussed in various contexts on LessWrong, particularly in discussions about the dynamics of cooperative institutions and the challenges they face in balancing these qualities.

Does anyone know where I can find it? I tried google, but I don't seem to get anywhere. 

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