# Dependencies
+```
+ _-_
+ /~~ ~~\
+ /~~ ~~\
+{ }
+ \ _- -_ /
+ ~ \\ // ~
+ | |
+ | |
+ // \\
+```
+
In my mind, a bootstrappable system is something that can be *understood from nothing* (or at least, some common base). That someone could walk in, fresh, knowing some set of concepts, and be *assured* that they can understand the system.
That's pretty common, right? There's a common "dependency tree" of concepts that everyone kind of takes for granted when they work on a project or in a field. But I don't think many of us have an eye on what that dependency tree is (in many cases, it's really a cyclic dependency graph).
I have not seen these dependency trees shrink without sacrifice. I have not seen the cognitive load lessen, only become more obscure. I am tired of looking around and seeing invisible skyscrapers.
-I want a bootstrappable system so I can use it when I am exhausted, when I forget, when life calls me away, I can rebuild my understanding without thinking too hard. I want to be able to understand it all at my weakest, and yet feel I still have control.
+I want a bootstrappable system so I can use it when I am exhausted, when I forget, when life calls me away. I want systems I can rebuild my understanding of without thinking too hard. I want to be able to understand it all at my weakest, and yet feel I still have control.
Anything less, I won't be satisfied.