A review by bogdanbalostin
Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella Meadows
5.0
I'm new to the whole System Thinking and Analysis framework so I cannot compare this book with others out there. I've read some reviews telling me that this book narrows the scope of system thinking and I have to ask How? Quite the contrary, this book was written as a humble introduction to Systems, and it does make me want to pick up other more in-depth papers, but at the same time, it made me aware of people claiming they understand systems. Nobody can understand systems so well that they can predict the consequences of the changes they seek to introduce in the system.
One thing you need to understand is that the book is written based on the author's notes as she didn't manage to publish it before her death, so some parts feel either giving in to "ramblings" or too muddy and unclear. Nevertheless, the whole book can change minds (and lives).
Let's say that not only systems experts need to be able to understand the complex nature of our world. System thinking is recommended for everyone, as this may make you more willing to listen to someone who is studying systems, for example when implementing a new policy or law or making changes to the global or national economy, very important stuff that affects all of us, and yet these decisions are taken by people who don't understand how the (complex) world works.
So read it whoever you are and try to apply it to your field of work (or just life).
One thing you need to understand is that the book is written based on the author's notes as she didn't manage to publish it before her death, so some parts feel either giving in to "ramblings" or too muddy and unclear. Nevertheless, the whole book can change minds (and lives).
Let's say that not only systems experts need to be able to understand the complex nature of our world. System thinking is recommended for everyone, as this may make you more willing to listen to someone who is studying systems, for example when implementing a new policy or law or making changes to the global or national economy, very important stuff that affects all of us, and yet these decisions are taken by people who don't understand how the (complex) world works.
So read it whoever you are and try to apply it to your field of work (or just life).