How everything is Linked
Andrew Jones, aka Tallskinnykiwi, named Albert-Laszlo Barabasi's book 'Linked: The New Science of Networks. How everything is connected to everything else and what it means for science, business and everyday life' his most enjoyable book of the year 2005. Not sure if I agree with him, because in December I started reading a book that I enjoy even more, and about which I will blog as soon as I finish it. But 'Linked' is certainly a great book for everyone who wants to understand network dynamics, whether it is the internet, social networks or biological networks.
According to Barabasi they all work according to the same laws, as if God created it. Well, probably He did, and the whole rediscovery of 'living and working organically' is just that - a rediscovery of what is already embedded in creation. When reading 'Linked' it becomes immediately clear why conventional church doesn't work, and the immense potential of organic church networks. Barabasi could be right with his claim that networks will be the central science of the 21st century. Certainly those who understand the underlying principles of networks will have a strategic advantage over those who think institutionalized.
Check out Andreas.com or DougSimpson.com for an outline of the book.
Maybe I'm taking it too personally, but this is quite disappointing that clever Hungarians achieve great things elsewhere. Barabási was born in the middle of nowhere in (former) Hungary... and I've been trying to trace George Barna back... No success yet, but his name means "Brown".
Anyway, I'd be interested. Could you lend me either/or/both (Revolution/Linked), Marc? If you can, maybe in Cologne? And I could mail them back to Holland. Please, please :)
Posted by: Gabi | January 25, 2006 at 22:44