Systems Thinking: A Beginner's Guide

Following her role as the lead author of the international bestseller, Limits to Growth — the first book to illustrate the consequences of uncontrolled growth on a finite planet — Donella Meadows continued to be a pioneer in environmental and social analysis until her untimely death in 2001. Thinking in Systems, a concise and crucial book edited by Diana Wright from the Sustainability Institute, provides information for problem-solving on scales ranging from personal to global. This essential introduction brings systems thinking out of the realm of computers and equations and into the tangible world, showing readers how to develop the thinking skills that thought leaders around the world consider critical for life in the twenty-first century.

Some of the world's greatest problems — war, hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation — are essentially system failures. They cannot be solved by fixing one isolated piece at a time, as even seemingly minor details have immense power to undermine the best efforts of narrow thinking. While readers will learn conceptual tools and methods of systems thinking, the heart of the book is larger than the methodology. Donella Meadows was known for nurturing positive outcomes as well as delving into the science behind global dilemmas. She reminds readers to pay attention to what is important, not just what is quantifiable, to remain humble, and to remain as learners.

In an increasingly complex, crowded, and interconnected world, Thinking in Systems helps readers avoid confusion and powerlessness — the first step towards seeking proactive and effective solutions.

Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish.

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