The human way of thinking is not very complex. We observe our surroundings primarily from a linear perspective. The best example is computer technology which is entirely based on the binary system (0 and 1 respectively). As in the case of switching on a light bulb only two states can be described at the same time, for example 'on' or 'off' and 'true' or 'false'. When considering this more thoroughly, one will notice that such linear models can only ever describe simple, non-complex systems. As soon as other possibilities come along, linear patterns of explanation and thoughts are quickly being pushed to their limits.

Whenever a model cannot reflect reality any more, is has to be replaced by a newer model that depicts reality better. Take for example the Bohr atomic model which is still a well-known term to every chemistry student: It describes electrons as material bodies with a negative charging which move around the atomic nucleus in fixed concentric orbits. This model could only give a limited explanation of physiochemical processes and was soon replaced by the so-called orbital model with its electron clouds.

In the last centuries natural sciences utilised the concept of determinism: It was thought that by knowing the condition of a system and its regulations and laws one could entirely and reliably predict future conditions. This is a method which strongly meets our one-dimensional thinking patterns which we have acquired over millennia. However, quantum physics at the latest has proved that with linear models more complex systems can only be described incompletely or not at all. Up until today mainstream medicine is being dominated by linear patterns of explanation