“This intriguing, wide-ranging probe ponders the underlying principles behind whether complex systems of every sort—government, business, social, natural—function or fail.”
      —Publishers Weekly

“Readers will value an analysis that offers stimulating suggestions on how to prepare for the future’s inevitable shocks.”
      —Booklist

“In an increasingly complex world, we can’t avoid shocks—we can only build better shock absorbers. This is a brilliant exploration of how best to do that, told with compelling examples and stories.”
      —Chris Anderson, Editor in Chief of Wired, bestselling author of The Long Tail

“[Helps] us all understand the importance of planning for the future, even when it means giving up some short-term gains.”
      —Dan Ariely, James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University, author of Predictably Irrational

“Smart and sophisticated, this is a landmark work in a new field. If you are part of a system that wants to avoid collapse, read this book.”
      —David Eagleman, Neuroscientist, author of Incognito and Why the Net Matters

“Mandatory. . . .  Part complexity theory, part psychology, it is a pivotal book for today and a necessity to strategically plan for tomorrow.”
      —David Agus, MD, Professor of Medicine and Engineering, University of Southern California, Author of The End of Illness

“A whirlwind tour through an idea whose time has come. I suspect that the concepts in this book will define the next decade.”
      —Jad Abumrad, Host and Creator of RadioLab, and 2011 MacArthur Fellow

“Maps new territory for leaders whether they seek to impact business, science, national security or social transformation. . . . A rare and necessary book.”
      —Bill Shore, founder and CEO of the anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength

“Provides an understanding of the deep structures that will govern success in the coming century.”
      —Bruce Mau, Co-founder and Director, Massive Change Network

ANDREW ZOLLI is the founder and curator of Pop!Tech and a Fellow of the National Geographic Society. His work and ideas have appeared in media outlets such as PBS, The New York Times, NPR, Vanity Fair, Fast Company, American Demographics, and Popular Science. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.