The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines regeneration as an act or the process of regenerating; spiritual renewal or revival; renewal or restoration of a body, or biological system after injury or as a normal process; and utilization by special devices of heat or other products that would ordinarily be lost.

Regeneration was first used in the 14th century. Here are its synonyms: reanimation, rebirth, revival, rejuvenation, rejuvenescence, renewal, resurgence, resurrection, resuscitation, revitalization, and revivification.

Recently, I have seen regeneration, or more commonly, regenerative, used in combination with words such as economy, capitalism, health, cities, technology, agriculture, and medicine.

This is an important development because people are becoming aware of the interconnected nature of our reality. It’s not enough to be concerned only with what is directly in front of you. You need to be aware of the architecture of the system with which you are working and understand how it evolves over time.

The ability to regenerate is a powerful evolutionary tool. However, it can only happen if the participants within the system want to regenerate. Change is difficult when people are set in their ways and not open to new ideas.

[Photo: Close-up view of a starfish.]