The Law of Entropy. Why Buying More Won't Solve Your Problems
- Stefan Sager
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
In an isolated system, the degree of disorder can only increase over time.
A family builds a beautiful, well-maintained house (a state of low entropy and high order). They live in it for years, constantly cleaning, repairing, and maintaining it.
Then, they move out and abandon the house. Without the constant input of energy, entropy takes over. Dust gathers, weeds grow, paint peels, and the roof begins to leak.
Over many years, the house will crumble back into a disordered collection of raw materials.

What is the Law of Entropy and why does it mean buying more isn't the solution?
The Law of Entropy is a universal tendency of things to fall apart.
A hot cup of coffee does not spontaneously get hotter; it cools down, dispersing its energy into the room. A tidy room does not stay tidy on its own; without the constant input of cleaning energy, it will naturally become messy.
This law applies to everything. Relationships, businesses, skills, and machinery all require a constant, active input of energy (effort, maintenance, practice) to fight against the relentless pull of decay and disorder.
You cannot fight this universal law by simply buying more things. A messy garage is not solved by buying more storage containers; it is solved by spending the energy to clean it, and perhaps, using Via Negativa.
How can I apply this law to my daily life?
Understand that if you are not actively putting energy into maintaining the important systems in your life (your health, your relationships, your skills), they are, by default, slowly and inevitably falling apart.
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