Hofstadter’s Law

The author Douglas Hofstadter is also a scholar of cognitive science, physics and comparative literature. Unsurprisingly, his books, like “Gödel, Escher, Bach” are mind-bending.

So what does he have to do with making cultural projects better? Hofstadter is known for many things, but the only law that bears his name is about project management.

Exhibitions and (ahem) location-based entertainment projects have many moving parts. Hofstadter’s Law is an observation about this kind of complexity that I find notable for three reasons:

1. It’s the only law to which he lent his name.
2. Though only a single sentence, it is mind-bending.
3. It’s true.

Here it is:

Hofstadter's Law: It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter's Law.

I’m just going to mull that over for a moment.

…

…

Here’s the thing:
If you help manage complex cultural projects, and you find it difficult to predict how things will turn out, you’re not alone. The smartest folks out there agree with you.

And the next time you’re putting together a schedule, consider Hofstadter’s Law. Perhaps … repeatedly?

Warmly,
Jonathan