The title says it all as this cogent work opens with a declaration of independence from sociobiology, and proceeds to a reexamination of social evolutionary thinking, the idea of 'evolution' in free fall. Ay there's the rub, what does the free floating concept of (social) evolution really mean, and what is its true relation with organismic evolution? This question has never found an answer, because even the theory of organismic evolution is incomplete. To escape the clutches of E.O. Wilson is not to escape those of S. J. Gould, and the assumptions of basic Darwinism still bedevil analysis even as the banishment of all ideas of progress simply compounds the confusion. For the idea of progress in the docket of ideology, in addition to its excision from all discussion of random evolution, leaves all in confusion. We should a more complex theory to explain progression in one form, as macroevolution, and the individual's actions, as freedom,in another, as a sort of microevolution. In any case, we are still 'looking for the answer',without the gimmicks of sociobiological reductionism and this book explores a host of interesting avenues in a liberating, though eclectic mix of themes from Veblen to Marx. Very stimulating work, and some real nose-thumbing at the Social Darwinist plot thickener from the right wing Darwin gang. Still, one is left with the question, where is the theory? A more universal history might give us the clue to an answer.

Read The Complexity Advantage by Susanne Kelly and Mary Ann Allison it's a better book. Or better still check out the reviews before you buy.

I am a believer that organizational systems share much with biological systems. This idea struck me on the head the first time I visited the Galapagos. That trip made it clear that adaptation can occur very quickly and that more than one form of adaptation can occur in different directions at the same time, based on the environments that exist. I am also reminded of research that I recently read suggesting that we cannot accept or remember new ideas if we have not had previous experience with them. That is why it becomes so critical to prepare for change, to ask questions from many different perspectives to create ambiguity, and to present many different environments or alternate futures to create unpredictability. OPEN BOUNDARIES is a great book to read after THE LIVING COMPANY which describes how scenario planning was developed and why Shell was the only company prepared to do well during the Arab oil embargo. Complexity thinking really succeeds when you find a win-win solution - you will come out ahead no matter what happens. Another book you should look at that uses eight steps (revolving, not linear) to develop the best possible ideal practices for key activities assuming unpredictability of many things is THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION. With these three, you are well on your way to removing the stalls blocking OPEN BOUNDARIES to become THE LIVING COMPANY and to reach THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTIONS for future success

This book clarified views which I knew were correct, but lacked structure. Their view of business, as a biological system where innovation and progress occurs through the spontaneous interactions of individuals and groups, is a tremendous asset to anyone who values dynamic processes and thinking.

We use this book in my sociology 101 class at USC. It is very easy to understand. Covering a little on all of the major themes in sociology, this book is very ideal if your professor makes sociology seem difficult through his/her lectures.