Fragile to Antifragile

In a world of uncertainty with inevitable shocks, the way systems respond can make the difference between thriving, surviving, or failing.

This framework compares four distinct responses to shocks—fragile, resilient, anti-fragile, and anticipatory systems. 

Fragile systems buckle under pressure they become weaker with time and don't experience recovery. 

Resilient systems become weaker for a time after a shock, but in time experience some level of recovery. 

Anti-fragile systems are built to learn from experience after a shock and in time become stronger, they "gain from disorder".

Anticipatory systems plan for shocks by investing time and resources in imaging the effects of shocks and reflecting on the type of response needed.