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Anchors

Objects, places, rituals, people, or memories that help reality remain consistent.

Definition

An Anchor is anything that helps preserve consistency within an unstable system.

Known or suspected Anchors include:

  • Ancient stones and boundary markers.
  • Repeated community rituals.
  • Objects with strongly documented histories.
  • Names remembered by many people.
  • Buildings preserved through continuous use.
  • Songs and stories repeated for generations.
  • People whose identities remain unusually stable across changes.

Anchor Failure

When an Anchor is damaged or removed, instability may increase rapidly. A failing Anchor can also trap a dangerous contradiction in place.