Control is Life

From an engineering perspective, the ability to control systems and prevent instability is not just a desirable trait but an absolute necessity. Whether through hardware or software, engineering is fundamentally about detecting, analyzing, and rapidly correcting disturbances. Stability is the foundation upon which all functional systems operate, and without control, even the most advanced technology would become chaotic and useless.

Take, for instance, the sophisticated world of aviation. Fighter jets and helicopters are intentionally designed to be aerodynamically unstable to maximize their agility and responsiveness. However, this instability would render them uncontrollable without the aid of advanced computer systems capable of making millions of micro-adjustments every second. These systems monitor a vast array of parameters—altitude, speed, wind conditions, and structural stress—ensuring the aircraft stays within its operational envelope while allowing the pilot to execute complex maneuvers.

A similar principle applies to electric cars. While battery technology has received much of the spotlight in recent years, the real breakthrough lies in the precision control of electric motors via software systems. Electric motors deliver power instantaneously and at full force, which would make driving chaotic without intelligent software moderating and distributing this power efficiently. These control systems ensure not only optimal performance but also safety and drivability.

Control for Humans

When we shift the conversation from engineering to human behavior, the parallels become strikingly evident. Just as an aircraft relies on micro-adjustments to remain stable, humans rely on emotional and mental control to navigate the turbulence of life. Disturbances—be they unexpected events, stress, or emotional triggers—can push us off balance, and our ability to regain control defines our resilience and effectiveness.

In humans, control doesn't mean suppression or judgment of emotions. Instead, it signifies the ability to make smart, quick adjustments in response to internal and external stimuli. Observing oneself equanimously becomes the cornerstone of this control. Like an electric motor delivering instant power, emotions can surge unexpectedly, and without proper self-regulation, they can drive us into irrational or destructive behavior.

Interestingly, the most intelligent individuals and highly skilled performers demonstrate a refined ability to control these reactions. Athletes, for example, are often given the advice: "Don't think." This is not an invitation to act recklessly but rather an instruction to bypass negative mental interference. Overthinking creates inertia, delaying the split-second responses required in high-pressure situations. True control, then, is not about forceful suppression but about achieving a fluid harmony between observation and action.

Philosophical Insights

Philosophers and spiritual teachers have long understood this dynamic. From a Buddhist perspective, as Jiddu Krishnamurti famously said, "The observer and the observed are one." This profound statement emphasizes that true control arises when the act of observing oneself merges seamlessly with the act of responding. When negative mental chatter driven by fear or insecurity is removed, reactions become natural, precise, and free from self-sabotaging interference.

In both engineering and life, control is not about rigid dominance but about dynamic balance. Whether it’s a fighter jet stabilizing mid-air turbulence or a human navigating emotional storms, the principle remains the same: rapid, intelligent adjustments guided by clear observation ensure stability and success.

Ultimately, control is life. Without it, systems—whether mechanical or human—descend into chaos. And with it, both machines and humans can operate at their highest potential, achieving outcomes that are not only efficient but also deeply fulfilling.