Cause and effect are not closely related in time and space

We tend to assume that cause and effect are closely related in observable sequence: cause happens, effect immediately ensues. The reality is that the observable effect may be quite distant from the cause that produced it, leading to confusion and misunderstanding as to the relationship.

Underlying all of the above problems is a fundamental characteristic of complex human systems: cause and effect are not close in time and space. … Why is this a problem? Because most of us assume they are—most of us assume, most of the time, that cause and effect are close in time and space.^[1]

#systems-thinking

See also:

• Low-leverage interventions are alluring because they work in the short term
• Non-systemic solutions are addictive