Reviews

Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella Meadows

joshholder's review

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3.0

if social science majors discovered control theory (non derogatory)

thaonhi001's review

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informative medium-paced

4.25

I actually spent a lot of time on this book, having to repeat chapters multiple times, and taking an extra step to watch an hour long breakdown of the book by an economist on Youtube.

I like the way the book is structured, from introducing system components and formation, to its trap, intervention, and ended up with daily tips (which is my least favorite part lol).

I also had some good discussion with my friend who recommended it to me. The book was mind-blowing to him, but just so-so for me since I am quite familiar with the concepts in the book (most of which are chemical engineering and economics related).

Hope to use the knowledge more in daily life.

stefanaserban's review against another edition

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5.0

Devoured the audiobook, which rarely happens to me. It was so intriguing to hear examples from articles and books that felt to current, and then notice "The Herald, 1972". The original manuscript and the complete book are more than 15 years old, but they are more relevant than ever, and I really feel changed in my way of thinking.

Thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

chrisxaustin's review

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informative medium-paced

4.0

sebswann's review

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informative medium-paced

5.0

"There is yet one leverage point that is even higher than changing a paradigm. That is to keep oneself unattached in the arena of paradigms, to stay flexible, to realize that no paradigm is "true," that every one, including the one that sweetly shapes your own worldview, is a tremendously limited understanding of an immense and amazing universe that is far beyond human comprehension. It is to "get" at a gut level the paradigm that there are paradigms, and to see that that itself is a paradigm, and to regard that whole realization as devastatingly funny. It is to let go into not-knowing, into what the Buddhists call enlightenment."

"Human beings have been endowed not only with the ability to count, but also with the ability to assess quality. Be a quality detector. Be a walking, noisy Geiger counter that registers the presence or absence of quality. If something is ugly, say so. If it is tacky, inappropriate, out of proportion, unsustainable, morally degrading, ecologically impoverishing, or humanly demeaning, don't let it pass. Don't be stopped by the "if you can't define it and measure it, I don't have to pay attention to it" ploy. No one can define or measure justice, democracy, security, freedom, truth, or love. No one can define or measure any value. But if no one speaks up for them, if systems aren't designed to produce them, if we don't speak about them and point toward their presence or absence, they will cease to exist."

Read this if you're interested in microcosmic and macrocosmic problem-solving. A must read for business, government, and community leaders.

gurer's review

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informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

zaneattack's review

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hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced

4.0

screensense's review against another edition

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informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

Thinking in Systems offers an excellent introduction to systems thinking and approach through real life examples. You will begin to think of the world around you and current events in a new way while, and after, reading. I found the audiobook easier to consume simply because I was forced to listen without stopping every few paragraphs to make notes for myself. This approach allowed me to consider the work as a whole (system?) rather than dissecting each moment as I might with such a dense piece of scholarly material. 

dear_old_world's review

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challenging informative inspiring medium-paced

4.75

What an inspiration - wish I could have met Donella. Will be returning to and using for work.

tiagocesar's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

A bit confusing at times; takes a while to sit. And even after knowing about the system structure of the world, it's still a vast effort to take advantage of if, and oftentimes a lone ride. Still, I'm glad I read that.