Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

The whole conversation is very scope dependent. A species can be antifragile specifically because the constituent organisms are fragile. The species evolves not in spite of death and mutation (variation) of the organisms but because of it.

At the same time organisms themselves can be antifragile at a different scope. My body gets stronger when I stress the muscles, and gets weaker when I do not.

Edit to add… it is also very dose dependent. Zero muscle stress and I get weaker. Some and I get strong. Too much and I get rhabdomyolysis — an absorbing barrier.

Same goes for the species. No death means no evolution. Some means evolution. Extinction level deaths are an absorbing barrier.



Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: