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I agree with the author's view that the unchecked greed of the global financial systems will surely lead to the utter destruction of our natural environment, and the Enron debaucle shows just how removed from reality the assignment of a company's "worth" is in a financial system that is hopelessly tied up in speculations. This is a highly intelligent book that applies deep philosophical insights and the tenets of complexity theory to the natural world, the social system, and the global economic system. The changes required to fix these problems would be nothing less than a revolutionary overhaul of the world's economic and political policies, and I do not share the author's optimism that this could happen merely by the action of grassroots organizations, no matter how organized they have become. The average layperson will find it mentally challenging, but enlightening as well. Particularly interesting to me was the discussion of epigenetics, which shows that evolution is not a simple function of genes mutating, but a complex and little-understood interaction between genes and the individual organism's environment and personal choices. It will take a global collapse for this to happen, because historically humans only make changes of that magnitude in the face of a crisis.we are not focused on prevention, especially if it means those with money will lose it. This is the only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5.Capra is just too idealistic.
Everything the previous reviewers have said regarding the clarity of explanation, the scientific references and brilliant summary is generally true. However, the transition from the scientific background (Biology and Physics) to the second half which attempts to show that globalization is not aligned with cell cultures and human social structures is at least not convincing if not flat wrong.(a) The transition is based on subjective data and modeled on management theory, which is NOT a Science. I have one big issue with this book. I have enjoyed reading the first 5 chapters. (b) The second half reads more like "this is where I wanted to go with this book, anyway" rather than logically explaining the scientific reasoning. It really does look like the author's political opinions may have gotten in the way of a clean scientific analysis.
I think Capra's mind is not far away from Da Vinci's and the new full, humanistic, interdependent kind of human beings.I thank him for every tiny bit of his thoughts in continuity with his movie "Mind Walk" that some day. As always Fritjof Capra is a master of linking apparently non connected events with a systemic view of life. It is fresh, relaxing, and so rich while making simple views there where others will desperately look for complicated concepts and theories. some day. we will have available in DVD version.
The first section, which focuses a lot on technical biological science lays the groundwork for the rest of the book. Capra attempts to connect biological models with cognition and social structures. Gene and cell networks can be applied to how cultures and societies are structured. It has inspired me to think about media in new, ecological terms. This is a great book for defining paradigms. Some chapters are truly scary (such as the section on biotechnology), and others are very uplifting (like the chapter "Changing the Game"). This book is a must have for people looking for a sustainable blueprint to the future.
ITS IS RIDICULOUS and upsetting.I still did not receive the delivery of the books odered and paid. in APRIL.There is no option on your website to complain about late deliveries but you dare to ask about reviews without checking if you fullfilled your obligations-------------Dr.Erich WessnerCEO CYBER-CONSULT+971 50 5539474.
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