We spend much of our time avoiding entropy and therefore equilibrium. For example, the simple act of cleaning removes dust, we tidy our desk, tidy our computer desktops, and sometimes try various mental tricks to clear our minds. I find that we seek, or at least crave, stimulation and change in our daily lives — boredom is a form of equilibrium.

But consider the state of dust. Whatever its origin, it is light enough to float for some time in the air before it settles. It not only moves, but flops, tumbles, twists and turns. When it settles on a piece of furniture, it gives up its motion entirely. It has decreased its entropy — but why are we only interested in cleaning it up in that state?

Consider also mold and fungus. It is the classic sign of decay and disorder infiltrating our household. But they grow and increase the order of our environment, for they take external energy sources like food and sun and water and organize them into the molecules of life. Why do they not satisfy our desire for order in the home?

So it seems really, in aspects of our life, we seek to maximize chaos.