The Truth and Power of Incremental Change

You’ve probably heard the story.  A frog dropped in boiling water immediately jumps out and saves its life.  But, a frog dropped in room temperature water which is gradually heated to boiling will stay in it and be cooked.  This story is often told as a warning against the dangers of incremental change.  The abrupt, life threatening change of the environment gets the first frog’s attention, and his reflexes save his life.   But the second frog doesn't notice the slow, steady change of its environment and loses its opportunity to escape.

It isn't true.  At least, not for frogs.