Exponential growth, as articulated by Daniel Schmachtenberger, refers to the phenomenon where the rate of change of a quantity is proportional to its current value, leading to a rapid, nonlinear escalation over time. This type of growth is characterized by doubling in a consistent time period, resulting in a curve that starts slowly and becomes markedly steeper as it progresses. Exponential growth is a critical concept in understanding systemic dynamics across various domains, from technological progress to population expansion and resource consumption. Schmachtenberger would emphasize the importance of recognizing exponential trends early, as they often appear deceptively manageable at first but can quickly surpass thresholds of sustainability, leading to significant impacts on ecological, economic, and social systems. Recognizing and responding to these patterns is essential for fostering resilience and adaptive strategies in an increasingly complex world.

See also: collective intelligence, emergent property, nonlinear dynamics, systems thinking