Answer: The dissipative component of evolution is in a direction of steepest entropy ascent
Step-by-step explanation:
According to our definition, every non-equilibrium state of a system or local subsystem for which entropy is well defined must be equipped with a metric in state space with respect to which the irreversible component of its time evolution is in the direction of the steepest entropy ascent permissible under the conservation constraints. We derive (nonlinear) expansions of Onsager reciprocity and fluctuation-dissipation relations to the far-non-equilibrium world inside the rate-controlled constrained-equilibrium approximation to demonstrate the force of the fourth law (also known as the quasi-equilibrium approximation).