Analogy
The Three Buckets is like a slot machine.
The first bucket (“slot”) is composed of inorganic systems – physics, chemistry, science, geology, etc. It is the oldest at 13.7 billion years and has the largest relevant data set.
The second bucket is 3.5 billion years old and is composed of the biological universe – evolution, natural selection, etc.
The third bucket, while having the smallest sample size, is also the most relevant to us. It is composed of 20,000 years of recorded human history.
Because of the large sample size and relevance of these three buckets, when they all yield the same answer, it is the functional equivalent of getting cherries straight across on a slot machine – you’ve got a winner! 1
Diagram
Example
Reciprocation is an excellent example of The Three Bucket framework in action.
In the first bucket, reciprocation captured by Newton’s Third Law of Motion – for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. If you push down on a table with force ‘x,’ the table, perhaps counterintuitively, pushes back on you with equal force ‘x.’ If you double the force, the table will also push back twice as hard.
Reciprocation is also found in nature, our second bucket. When you pet a kitten nicely and give it a calm environment, it will react in kind by being nice to you. But, grab it by its tail, and don’t be surprised when it scratches your face off.
In bucket number three, the human system, you find the same. If you treat people well, trust them, and add more value than you take, they will reciprocate in kind. However, treat them poorly, spread rumors, micromanage them, and you’ll get the functional equivalent of your face scratched off. This is mirrored reciprocation.2