The exponential growth of possible connections as networks expand (see previous post) makes them hugely valuable, but comes with its own set of costs. Keeping… Read More »(Re)visualising network effects (2): Lines of Chaos
… the 20th century saw a nearly 40-fold gain in useful energy [i.e. energy available for human use]; since 1800 the gain was about 3,500-fold.… Read More »Technology (26): Vaclav Smil on available energy per capita since 1800
They* say that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. It might even be true, although I’m wary… Read More »Net vector
Jane has one pie. John has none. Should Jane give John a slice? The situation is unequal, but we need some context – including some… Read More »A slice of the pie
I am for the free market. Even though it doesn’t work too well, nothing else works at all. But I have serious reservations about capitalism… Read More »Peter Drucker on free markets
A business that does not show a profit at least equal to its cost of capital is irresponsible; it wastes society’s resources. Economic profit performance… Read More »Peter Drucker on social responsibility
A ‘system’ is an interconnected set of elements coherently organized in a way that achieves something. It is more than the sum of its parts:… Read More »Machine. Ecosystem. (5) – Duncan Green on systems thinking and development
Speaking of networks, here’s a way into network theory – a few videos from Clay Shirky that make a good introduction: Ten Truths About Social… Read More »Scrapbook: Clay Shirky, Niall Ferguson – a spot of network theory
The best – the only – way to prepare our kids for any future is by showing them a vision of a flourishing life, and by equipping them with… Read More »Education for the future: which kids are ours? (1)