The Butterfly Effect
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
No project I have ever done in my life has affected me so profoundly as the research I did a few years ago on The Butterfly Effect. Working with the United States Air Force at the time, I was charged with finding “proof of the value of an individual life”. At that time, the military as a whole was just discovering that suicide had become more prevalent within their ranks than with the civilian population as a whole.
The answer for which I was searching was way beyond encouragement. What if, I thought, the average, ordinary person walking around was offered proof—convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt—that his life mattered immeasurably? More than that, I wondered, is it possible to prove that every single action we take . . . also matters? Forever?
The notion seemed preposterous (even to me) but with a library card in my pocket and Google as my friend, I set forth on what became the most important search of my life.
I began with a detailed investigation into a doctoral thesis written in 1963 by Edward Lorenz. In it, he theorized that a butterfly might flap its wings, moving molecules of air into motion that in turn moved other molecules of air, eventually becoming able to shift weather patterns on the other side of the world. Of course, in 1963, the theory was ridiculous. And the New York Academy of Science said so.
It wasn’t until the mid 90’s when physicists, working in concert around the world, authenticated the Lorenz hypothesis. Commonly called The Butterfly Effect, it has now been granted the status of a law. Lorenz’s broad strokes on the evolution of chaos theory have now been named The Law Of Sensitive Dependence Upon Initial Conditions.
With that as a firm starting point, I found true stories such as Joshua Chamberlain and his improbable charge at Gettysburg. I discovered connections between Norman Borlaug, a man credited with saving from famine over 2 billion people, and a little boy who had been mentored by George Washington Carver. I uncovered stories about Carver himself, his childhood, and the incredible link a simple farmer’s action provided that made possible all of Norman Borlaug’s work—a hundred years into the future!
All this knowledge—this proof—affected me deeply. I began to be more effective in my daily life as I understood just how important my actions were and how incredibly valuable every person is with whom I come in contact.
I use this proof and these stories almost every time I speak and have never ceased to be amazed at their impact on people.
That is why I am most excited to share with you my newest book. The Butterfly Effect has been a long time in the making.It is a beautiful hardback, with full color graphics on every single one of its 109 pages. My complete proof of just how much an individual life matters is written in simple, easy to understand detail. The stories of Chamberlain and his charge, Borlaug, Carver, and the farmer—it is all here.
In addition, there is a DVD included in the back of every book. The DVD contains a three-minute movie about The Butterfly Effect and a ten-minute version of me presenting the story to a live audience!
Simple Truths Publishing has created and priced this book so that you can give it as a gift to every person on your Christmas list. If there is anyone to whom you want to express gratefulness or someone who needs encouragement—someone who needs to hear, “You matter”—this is the gift for them!
I am very proud of this particular piece of work and very excited to finally be able to offer it to you!
Your friend,
Andy
Copyright: If you reprint a post on this site or repost it on your own blog or website, you must include the following attribution:
© 2010, Andy Andrews. Used by Permission. Originally posted at andyandrews.com/blog.
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1. David - November 18, 2009 @ 9:19 AM
Does this book contain different stories than "the lost choice" (great book by the way)? Are they related?
Just curious. Thanks"
2. Will Ezell - November 18, 2009 @ 12:55 PM
3. Samuel E Osborn - November 18, 2009 @ 1:33 PM
The story of GW Carver is one that I have told many times over since hearing your recount of it in Orlando some years ago. (Along with both your plane ride and your car ride across the sand) In fact I've loaned my book to people with the direction to just read chapter six. Of course they keep reading and in the end start buying books by this guy from LA.
On a more somber note, the news this morning was that the suicide rate in the Armed Forces is again at it's highest, and they say they have no idea why. (Do people never learn?)
(Was down from Atl during the shrimp festival to again stuff myself at Mikee's and Doc's.)"
4. mary cyrus - November 18, 2009 @ 3:48 PM
5. Jim "Gymbeaux" Brown - November 18, 2009 @ 4:30 PM
I have heard you in person, I have heard you on CD and I have read what you have written regarding the Chamberlin story. As great as the story is in writing, there is no comparison to you telling it live! You were truly remarkable and that should be proof enough of the Butterfly Effect. I can still see you on stage shouting, CHARGE! CHARGE! CHARGE!
Don't tell me you don't affect lives. You did mine.
Gymbeaux"
6. Bonnie Bartel Latino - November 18, 2009 @ 4:48 PM
As a military spouse of thirty years, I particularly appreciate all you do to support our troops--especially Special Operations Command.
Simple Truths Publishing is known to produce books that have beautiful graphics and packaging...I can't wait to do my Christmas shopping on their website.
You make Alabama proud, my friend.
Bonnie Bartel Latino
PS: Besides I have a thing for BUTTERFLIES ;-)"
7. Chris Brock - November 18, 2009 @ 5:19 PM
Thank you, my friend!
Chris Brock
P.S. Watch out for the devil cat..."
8. Amy Fry - November 18, 2009 @ 5:36 PM
Others have already had such a profound impact.
Thank you Andy."
9. Susan - November 18, 2009 @ 5:54 PM
I ordered 2 on faith, from seeing you speak at the RE/MAX convention, talking to you in person and reading your books. I am giving 1 of the 2 books to a wonder friend who is proof of the butterfly effect.
:)Susan"
10. Dave Timmons - November 18, 2009 @ 6:15 PM
11. Stephen Antoni - November 18, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
12. Ann Meredith - November 18, 2009 @ 6:53 PM
I had just received Sawyertown Springs so I thought I might just quietly read throughout the day. However, there was nothing quiet in my house. I was laughing! I kept saying out loud, "I don't want to laugh today." I failed. I was laughing so hard I had to call a friend to share laughter with me.
Thanks once again Andy.
Ann Meredith"
13. HeatherO - November 18, 2009 @ 8:10 PM
And now to have a book by one of my all time favorite authors about it??
WooHoo!!!
(what else can I say:)"
14. Siobhan Davidson McKenna - November 18, 2009 @ 8:42 PM
Once again you have enlightened us with such profound wisdom. Thank you Thank you.
You are a beautiful Butterfly in this vast world. I now know what I am giving everyone for Christmas to pass the light.
Warmest Thoughts to you and your family."
15. Barbara Hill - November 18, 2009 @ 10:10 PM
16. Joshua Morrell - November 18, 2009 @ 10:20 PM
17. Andy Andrews - November 19, 2009 @ 6:49 AM
I hear ya. Don't want to minimize my answer here, but as you know, we don't really have a ton of time.
So... all my research and prayers and thinking and crying and cussing on the very points you brought up are contained in the story I wrote, ISLAND OF SAINTS. It is still available in present form but will be released within the next few months with some additional material and a new title...The Heart Mender.
Hope this helps. Remember, the 7th Decision (Persist Without Exception) includes this kind of stuff too.
Yours,
AA"
18. Karen - November 19, 2009 @ 8:27 AM
Thanks for all your inspiration."
19. Ted Romano - November 19, 2009 @ 12:41 PM
To my friend Andy, I thank you for reminding all of us that what we do to and for each other matters……
Ted"
20. Dorothy Melvin - November 19, 2009 @ 4:25 PM
21. Chuck Koch - November 19, 2009 @ 8:27 PM
I'm grateful that you and Mac Anderson published this book to help spread the word. It's the little things we do that can make all of the difference in the world for someone.
Keep it up Andy!"
22. Tedi Tuttle Wixom - November 22, 2009 @ 1:03 AM
You rock! Thanks for the info on the new book. I love to read; I love to write; I love to think and listen to your insights. Thanks for your humor. We all have something to give, and you make me me laugh and think! Thank you so much."
23. Bob Stack - December 16, 2009 @ 3:34 PM
Happy Christmas, Bob"
24. Robert Wolfe - February 8, 2010 @ 12:02 PM
The Butterfly Effect, is great, as all of your work. I have not read The Noticer, as yet, but did listin to yu read the first chapter on the website. I was put in mind of my Jones.
He was and old black man, not that that matters, his name was Mr. Daniels, he told me among other thing, that if you wanted to borrow money from the banker, keep all your fences fixed and the gate up and swingin'. But above all make sure the barn is clean and that all your tools and harness all hung up nice and neet, then that banker will know you cares and can be trusted. I told him, " Mr. Daniels I don't have a barn or any harness." he look at me over his glasses and said the most profound thig I had ever heard, " Young man, you keep your repetation clean and spotless, then." and went back to eating his ham sandwich."
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