# Slack - Slack is the absence of binding constraints on behavior. - Lack of slack compounds. It gets harder to get out of that state over time. - If you want to try things, you have to have the slack to pick up errors. - Slack allows exploration. - [Slack prevents desperation and helps planing for long term (by not having to put all the effort in the short term)](https://thezvi.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/slack/). - When a part of a system lack slacks, it can't collaborate or help other parts. - Adding slack to a system might make it more efficient. - Make sure that under normal conditions _you_ have Slack. Value it. Guard it. Spend it only when Worth It. If you lose it, fight to get it back. - [Slack creates _positive externalities_ for the group](https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/3qX2GipDuCq5jstMG/slack-has-positive-externalities-for-groups). In the other hand, is not properly valued by the group. - Any system that must pass information between multiple, tightly integrated subsystems, there is a well understood concept of maximum sustainable load. We know that number to be roughly 60% of maximum possible load for all systems. - [When solving a problem-you-don't-understand, slack gives you space for your shower thoughts to be in explore mode and go deeper instead of having to take action immediately](https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/fwSDKTZvraSdmwFsj/slack-gives-you-space-to-notice-reflect-on-subtle-things). ## Examples - Money not budgeted for anything in particular, or which can easily be spent on something else instead, is financial slack. - [[Time]] not scheduled for anything in particular, or which can easily be rescheduled, is time slack. - Space not used for anything in particular, or which can easily be used for something else, is space slack. - Capacity for excess stress is emotional slack. - Multiple social groups which one can fall back on, or the ability to make new friends quickly, provide social slack