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Notably, the printing press is often cited as an essential Black Swan event that made knowledge more accessible, propelling the rise of modern science and technology. The horse collar, introduced earlier in history, also highlights how an innovation can lead to massive societal shifts, such as food surpluses and the evolution of professions.
Outside Context Problems: A Step Further
An Outside Context Problem (OCP) goes further than a Black Swan, representing an extreme disruption with even less context for understanding or preparing. The term derives from Iain M. Banks’ novel Excession and illustrates scenarios where civilizations experience a disruption that is utterly unanticipated.