# Shirky principle

> English word · Proper noun

## Definitions
1. The idea that institutions will try to preserve the problem to which they are the solution.

## Etymology
Named after the American technology writer Clay Shirky.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/shirky-principle