ABSTRACT
By now it should be clear that human actions often, as Aristotle likes to say, “miss the mark.” When unintended consequences are far afield from the original goal or when adaptations are especially brazen or creative, no one-not even the most prudent person-may be able to discern the true meaning and significance of an action, choice, law, or policy. Time lags contribute to the difficulty. Months or years may have to elapse before the unhappy effects become apparent.
