The Art of Networked Thinking
Frederic Vesters last book 'The Art of Networked Thinking - ideas and tools for a new way of dealing with complexity' ('Die Kunst vernetzt zu denken - Ideen und Werkzeuge für einen neuen Umgang mit Komplexität')

The first hardcover edition appeared in 1999 and was sold in a few months. After the book was accepted by the Executive Committee in 2002 as 'Report to the Club of Rome' it appeared one year later as an extended paperback edition with three additional topics: nuclear energy, genetic engineering and terror prevention, three cases of complex problems that never were viewed as such. The book was chosen as 'Sachbuch des Monats' (Book of the Month) in May 2002 and has a growing echo in German speaking countries by political and economical decision makers. Since 2007 the book is available as English translation.

The following review of the first hardcover edition by the Magazine Business Bestseller was translated from German and may give an impression of the message of the book.

Abstract of a Review of the book by 'Business bestseller':

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK
Our biosphere is a complex system we are surrounded by such systems that are again connected with each other. Mankind is more and more able to influence these complex systems (which can be a threat, too). Classic linear ways of solving a problem cannot be applied to complex systems. This is the reason why more and more approaches to eliminate defects and to make improvements fail. The only way to treat this dilemma is: connected thinking. That means to perceive things not from our point of view amidst the system but to leave our sphere and scrutinize us and our relations very closely from outside. Above all, connected thinking means ecological and bio-cybernetic thinking as we follow nature’s shining example once again. Nature and we are not unlike we are a part of nature.

Comment on the book
Vester`s style of writing is clear and entertaining. His theses are understandable and sometimes he even turns to humour although he normally tends to moralize. Sometimes he is carried away by his missionary style, e.g. when he suggests mankind to stop the pursuit of profits. Apart from these short pedagogical phases the reader is gratified with practical information. Especially his eight basic rules of bio-cybernetics are by no means humbug but important hints that are worth discussing for individual and particularly economical purposes. Since the book is recommanding strongly the author’s software in the end, the only regrettable thing is that the program is not available as a standard application up to now. Only with the help of the book the model does not become exactly clear a computer-supported demonstration would be more effective. A combination of book and CD-ROM would be interesting. But even by solely reading the book, the author’s main concern becomes obvious: to be aware of the management of nature as a shining example.

Buying recommendation
With this book you can so to speak become a shareholder of "Nature Inc." the value of these shares may rise strongly in the future.

The author
Frederic Vester is a biochemist and founder of the 'Studiengruppe für Biologie und Umwelt' (study group for biology and environment, since 2004 frederic vester GmbH) in Munich. Preceding this book he wrote e.g. 'Neuland des Denkens' (New realms of thinking) and 'Denken, Lernen, Vergessen' (Thinking learning forgetting) - both bestsellers.

(© Business Bestseller 2000)

The complete review gives a description of the content in more detail.