Great Stagnation Trap

A trap is a door that opens inward and locks behind you. Great Stagnation Trap is such a door, and this page is a window.

The trap works in three acts: first a reasonable step, then a small justification, then a point where retreat feels more expensive than advance. By the third act, the trap no longer needs to hold you; you hold yourself.

Every colony has a notice board and a gossip channel. The notice board informs; the channel decides. Wise residents read the first and audit the second.

Society is a long conversation; the only question is whether you are listening or merely waiting to speak. Do not memorise it. Notice it. Noticing is the senior discipline.