This is the nugget, from which the idea grows. 

Goes on to talk about traffic lights in particular, and the ways in which overly prescribing action results in folks looking for the ways that they can steal back agency, like speeding between lights, etc. Once one arbitrary “rule” (system) is in place, people will ONLY FOLLOW the rules, and will not endeavor for unprescribed courtesy. 

Makes me think of Maine drivers always ignoring right of way to let me go… I find it so annoying, but is it actually safer? It requires both of us to pause and observe more intentionally to avoid an accident… 

This idea has really expanded in scope after the publication of this article… how did the life cycle shift so radically?