Thriving in entropy encapsulates the ability to not only adapt but also excel in environments characterized by high levels of disorder, randomness, and uncertainty. This idea goes beyond merely coping with chaos; it involves harnessing the inherent unpredictability of such states to drive innovation, growth, and resilience.

In scientific terms, entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness within a system. First defined in the field of thermodynamics and later applied to statistical mechanics and information theory, entropy quantifies the degree of unpredictability and potential for change within a system. The higher the entropy, the greater the disorder and the less certainty there is about the system's future state.

Philosophically, thriving in entropy suggests an orientation that embraces flux and instability as opportunities rather than obstacles. It implies a mindset that:

• Perceives potential where others see peril. In chaotic systems, while many struggle to find stable footing, those thriving in entropy identify new pathways and opportunities that are obscured in more ordered environments.
• Adapts dynamically to changing conditions. Just as organisms in nature adapt to their evolving environments to survive, thriving in entropy involves continuously adjusting strategies and tactics in response to emerging challenges and information.
• Innovates relentlessly. High-entropy situations often break conventional molds and demand innovative thinking, as traditional solutions may no longer suffice.

In the business world, thriving in entropy means excelling in fast-paced, volatile markets where rapid changes in technology and consumer preferences can quickly render established business models obsolete. In such contexts, the ability to pivot swiftly and innovate is paramount for success.

On a personal level, this philosophy encourages resilience and growth in the face of life's unpredictabilities and stresses. It advocates for a proactive approach to challenges, suggesting that personal development often arises from navigating through life's inherent instabilities and complexities.

In essence, thriving in entropy means reframing uncertainty and disorder as opportunities for adaptability, innovation, and growth. By embracing the potential inherent in chaotic systems, individuals and organizations can position themselves to not merely withstand but flourish amidst the turbulence of an ever-changing world.

The author first encountered the concept in a handwritten note found inside a book at the Oxford Union Old Library in 2018 (in the small room on the second floor, opposite the clock, on shelf 620: Engineering). Initially, the idea was only sketched out in bullet points and did not capture the author's attention at the time. However, after returning to Switzerland from Hong Kong during the pandemic in 2020, the relevance of the topic resurfaced to the author. Unfortunately, efforts to locate the original note again in 2021 were unsuccessful, and the creator of the original note is currently unknown.