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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore a powerful systems thinking principle: the purpose of a system is what it does—not what it was intended to do.

They break down the critical difference between aspirational outcomes and actual outcomes, and why so many organizations, policies, and personal habits consistently produce results that don’t match their goals. Through real-world examples—from corporate incentives to classrooms to everyday behaviors—they show how system structure determines behavior, and why focusing on people instead of structure leads to the wrong fixes.

The key insight is simple but uncomfortable: if a system keeps producing the same outcome, it’s designed to do exactly that. Changing the outcome requires changing the structure.

If you’ve ever wondered why things aren’t working the way they’re “supposed to,” this episode will change how you see systems—and how you change them.

Check out the Rhino video here: https://www.reddit.com/r/NatureIsFuckingLit/comments/1s7pkcf/mama_rhino_outnumbered_but_stands_her_ground/