Thinking in causal chains

One of the concepts that I’ve been obsessed with lately was that of the causal chains.

Systems follow a series of causes and effects where each event is merely a link on the chain, i.e. an effect on earlier causes and one of the causes of a later effect.

I first came across this concept while studying Hermetics material. However, the idea is so pervasive that it applies to practically any facet of life.

Nowadays, whenever I contemplate a desirable outcome, I start with building causal chains in my mind and map it out on paper. This process forces me to think deeply about the genesis, or seed, of what I want to attain and to question whether such desires are intrinsic or programmed by society at large.