But variables like pedestrians in crosswalks, large crowds and vehicle wrecks can throw a carefully designed system out of whack, leading to annoying and pollution-causing traffic jams.
Germany acted to avert the imminent financial collapse of several countries, but often late and never decisively enough to resolve the crisis once and for all.
Since the executives are well placed to know their bank's true condition, it might seem that their share purchases show that the danger of collapse is exaggerated.
Yes, there has been a budding economic recovery since the 2008 global crash, but in key indicators in areas such as health and education, major economies have continued to decline.