By Miguel Tito

According to some people, there is a relation between innovation and the ability to establish connections between elements or phenomena.

This book explains the working of social systems, and how all the things around us, both alive and inert, are cross-connected. Capra's foundation is the theory of complexity, which appeared in the 1980's as a scientific alternative to linear thinking, and which he applies to the biological, cognitive and social dimensions of life.

In the fist part of the book, Capra sets the theoretical framework. He discusses the nature of life, the nature of mind and conscience, and the nature of social reality. In the second part he applies those principles to practical cases. Capra explores topics such as the management of social organisations, which -he argues- can be described as "alive", the effects of a globalised economy, or biotechnology.

The final part is devoted to creating a manifesto against globalisation and in favour of sustainability. The author sets a plan for the design of communities and technologies that are ecological and sustainable according to the principles established previously in the book.

Being a rather dense book, the reader will sometimes need to go through some paragraphs a number o times, or take some time off to think. However, persistence is rewarded with a greater global understanding and awareness to the cross-effects between things. Strongly recommended.

By Pierpaolo Congiu

Very interesting book, as all Munari's books, which main argument is the investigation of how an idea springs up and develops. 

He analyses different creative processes in sector like art, design and engineering, as well as in everyday life. 

His simple, tangible but also profound way to analyse the process and the practical examples he uses, convert this book in a very interesting and inspirational material.