Broken mirrors and broken windows may seem similar upon first inspection, but the consequences of leaving the latter unaddressed can be dramatically more severe.
This is because decay comes in different forms. Some decay is benign, while other decay is metastatic, spreading and growing at an exponential rate if not promptly attended to.
The distinction between these two forms lies in the potential for metastatic decay to arise in situations where a failing component is part of a larger system.
The more a system relies on the functional continuity of its components, the more dangerous an unresolved failure becomes in any of these areas.
Mirrors are standalone objects, whereas windows are essential components protecting a building’s delicate interior from the external environment. Although both broken mirrors and windows initially present as aesthetic issues, a broken window can escalate into water damage, mould, infestation, and structural problems that are significantly more expensive to resolve.
The crucial point is to understand when it’s appropriate to delay repairs if resources are scarce, and when it is not. A shattered mirror is unsightly, but postponing its replacement indefinitely won’t be the end of the world. In other cases, repair must take priority — even and especially when resources are limited. New windows may be costly, but they’re still far and away the most affordable solution in the long run. This dilemma is why it’s so frustrating when budget-conscious leaders cut resources for maintaining systems that require continuity in order to remain stable. Buildings serve as an easy example, but this principle extends to all kinds of social and infrastructural situations.
Ignoring decay that follows a broken window pattern might seem like an effective way to avoid personal or financial burdens, but in reality, it results in the wasteful destruction of wealth. We must strive to prevent such negligence and condemn it when we see it.
For a cautionary tale, check out this CBC article on the Canadian prime minister’s residence. Numerous prime ministers have lived there, yet none wanted to endure the public relations backlash of spending tax-payer funds to restore the building. Consequently, the estimated cost of repairs has soared to around 40 million dollars. Whether through a hefty bill or the loss of a historically significant site, the Canadian people will ultimately bear the burden.
Designable.blog 