Thus even supposedly unadulterated facts of observation already are interfused with all sorts of conceptual pictures, model concepts, theories or whatever expression you choose. The choice is not whether to remain in the field of data or to theorize; the choice is only between models that are more or less abstract, generalized, near or more remote from direct observation, more or less suitable to represent observed phenomena.
Ludwig von BertalanffyPeople are not machines, but in all situations where they are given the opportunity, they will act like machines.
Ludwig von BertalanffyProgress is only possible by passing from a state of undifferentiated wholeness to differentiation of parts.
Ludwig von BertalanffyWe are seeking another basic outlook: the world as an organization. This would profoundly change categories of our thinking and influence our practical attitudes. We must envision the biosphere as a whole with mutually reinforcing or mutually destructive inter-dependencies.
Ludwig von Bertalanffy