The butterfly effect rests on the notion that the world is deeply interconnected, such that one small occurrence can influence a much larger complex system. The effect is named after an allegory for chaos theory; it evokes the idea that a small butterfly flapping its wings could, hypothetically, cause a typhoon Example of butterfly effect  With one small gesture, you can change somebody's life. Remembering this would make us more aware that whatever we do, no matter how trivial we think it is, would lead to a ripple effect. One small whiff of a cigarette now can change your whole life down the road, in 10 years, 20 years, or maybe 10 months.