Stable equilibrium refers to a state in which a system tends to return to its original position after being disturbed. For example, if you imagine a ball resting at the bottom of a bowl, any slight push will cause the ball to roll away, but it will eventually return to the bottom. This characteristic makes stable equilibrium a key concept in fields like physics and economics. In contrast to unstable equilibrium, where a small disturbance can lead to significant changes, stable equilibrium ensures that the system remains balanced. This concept is crucial in understanding various natural and social phenomena, such as the behavior of ecosystems or the stability of financial markets.