Formative change differs from continuous change by proceeding through ruptures and conflicts.

Evidence

To exist is to be able to change difference while respecting the difference of change: the difference between continuous change, without limits, without adventure, without negativity, and a formative change that tells an effective story and proceeds by ruptures, conflicts, dilemmas. — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 258

Categorization

• DEFINE: Sharpest definitional statement of the book’s thesis: plasticity as formative change via ruptures versus flexibility as continuous change without negativity.
• QUESTION: Worth chasing: what precise diagnostic markers let one detect a management memo substituting flexibility for this formative-change definition?