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• About the Author
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Written by Fritjof Capra

• Format: Trade Paperback, 320 pages
 
• Publisher: Anchor
• On Sale: January 6, 2004
• Price: $15.95
• ISBN: 978-0-385-49472-4 (0-385-49472-6)

about this book

The author of the bestselling The Tao of Physics and The Web of Life explores the profound social implications of emerging scientific principles and provides an innovative framework for using them to understand and solve some of the most important issues of our time.

For most of history, scientific investigation was based on linear thinking. But the 1980's brought a revolutionary change. With the advent of improved computer power, scientists could apply complexity theory—nonlinear thinking—to scientific processes far more easily than ever before. Physicist Fritjof Capra was at the forefront of the revolution, and in The Web of Life he extended its scope by showing the impact of complexity theory on living organisms. In The Hidden Connections he breaks through another frontier, this time applying the principles of complexity theory to an analysis of the broad sphere of all human interactions.

Capra posits that in order to sustain life in the future, the principles underlying our social institutions must be consistent with the organization that nature has evolved to sustain the "web of life." In a lucid and convincing argument, Capra explains how the theoretical ideas of science can be applied to the practical concerns of our time. Covering every aspect of human nature and society, he discusses such vital matters as the management of human organizations, the challenges and dangers of economic globalization, and the nature and the problems of biotechnology. He concludes with an authoritative, often provocative plan for designing ecologically sustainable communities and technologies as alternatives to the current economic globalization.

“A rich resource that should be widely drawn upon. . . . The author has courageously put together a real tract for our times.” —Nature

"A cool and rational analysis . . . for those feeling a bit confused or helpless in the face of an upredictable future. . . . A book that could make a difference." —The Guardian

“Capra has forged and interesting book, which challenges conventional wisdom, provides insights into social and economic pitfalls and offers some light at the end of the tunnel.” —The Sunday Times (London)

“The Hidden Connections transcends intellectual barriers, overflows with groundbreaking ideas, and combines scholarly science with spirituality. It is a work of rare genius, true insight and great humanity.” —Waterstone’s Books Quarterly

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface

Part One: Life, Mind, and Society
1. The Nature of Life
2. Mind and Consciousness
3. Social Reality

Part Two: The Challenges of the Twenty-first Century
4. Life and Leadership in Organizations
5. The Networks of Global Capitalism
6. Biotechnology at a Turning Point
7. Changing the Game

Epilogue: Making Sense

Notes
Bibliography
Index