She stressed the importance of viewing the world as a collection of interdependent systems rather than isolated entities. 

Addressing complex issues requires a holistic approach that considers the dynamic interactions and feedback loops within systems. 

She pointed to the need for a deep understanding of system structures, behaviors, and underlying patterns to effectively intervene and create meaningful change - a shift in thinking from linear, reductionist approaches to systemic, interdisciplinary approaches that account for the inherent complexity and interconnectedness of the world. ...read more

Hartmut Rosa is a contemporary German sociologist and political scientist famous for his work on social acceleration, resonance and resilience. He argues that modern society is characterised by an ever-increasing pace of change and acceleration of social processes, which leads to feelings of disorientation and a loss of social connectedness.  This acceleration of social processes leads to a feeling of alienation from one's self, others, and the world. ...read more

The ancient Greek philosopher, offered profound insights into the pursuit of the good life. Central to his philosophy was the belief that the ultimate goal of human existence is to attain happiness and inner tranquility. He argued that the key to a good life lies in minimising unnecessary desires and cultivating a state of contentment. 

He emphasised the importance of friendship, virtuous living, and the pursuit of knowledge as essential components of a fulfilled life. He advocated for the practice of prudence in choosing pleasures, asserting that true happiness comes from simplicity and the absence of pain rather than the pursuit of extravagant desires. 

By focusing on the present moment, fostering meaningful relationships, and engaging in intellectual pursuits, Epicurus believed individuals could attain a sense of inner harmony and lead a life of fulfillment. 

Tristan Harris, a former Google design ethicist and co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, has emerged as a leading voice in the discussion around attention control in the digital age. Harris has been instrumental in shedding light on the persuasive and manipulative techniques employed by technology companies to capture and monopolize our attention. He highlights the detrimental effects of the attention economy, where our time and focus are commodified for profit. Harris emphasizes that the constant barrage of notifications, addictive design features, and personalized algorithms not only erode our ability to concentrate but also have broader societal implications. He advocates for designing technologies that prioritize human well-being and align with our values, rather than exploiting our attention for short-term gains. Harris urges individuals to reclaim control over their attention and encourages technology companies to adopt ethical design principles that respect user autonomy and promote mindful engagement. Through his work, Tristan Harris has sparked a critical conversation about the need to prioritize and protect our attention in an increasingly digitised world......read more

He helps us understand human needs and their role in shaping economic and social systems. Max-Neef argued that traditional economic theories often overlook the diverse and fundamental needs of individuals and communities, focusing primarily on material wealth and consumption. He proposed a comprehensive framework of nine fundamental human needs, which include subsistence, protection, affection, understanding, participation, leisure, creation, identity, and freedom. Max-Neef emphasized that these needs are universal and must be fulfilled for individuals to lead fulfilling lives. He also highlighted the importance of satisfying these needs in a way that respects ecological limits and promotes social justice. Max-Neef's work challenged the conventional wisdom that economic growth and increased consumption are the primary drivers of well-being. Instead, he advocated for an approach that prioritizes human needs, social well-being, and sustainable development. Manfred Max-Neef's groundbreaking insights continue to influence the fields of economics and development, reminding us of the profound importance of human needs in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.

Subsistence: The basic material necessities required for survival, such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

Protection: The need for safety, security, and a stable environment that shields individuals from physical and psychological harm.

Affection: The need for love, intimacy, and social connections, which contribute to emotional well-being.

Understanding: The need for knowledge, education, and comprehension of the world around us.

Participation: The need to actively engage in decision-making processes, contribute to society, and have a sense of agency and belonging.

Leisure: The need for relaxation, recreation, and activities that provide enjoyment, creativity, and personal fulfillment.

Creation: The need for expressing oneself, engaging in meaningful work or hobbies, and utilizing one's skills and talents.

Identity: The need for a sense of self-worth, personal identity, and cultural belonging.

Freedom: The need for autonomy, independence, and the ability to make choices that align with one's values and aspirations......read more

Bruno Latour, a prominent French sociologist and philosopher, has made significant contributions to the field of science and technology studies. In his book "Aterrir" (Down to Earth), Latour delves into the urgent ecological challenges facing our planet and offers a thought-provoking perspective on the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and technology. He argues that our current understanding of the environment and the global crises we face demand a fundamental shift in our thinking. Latour challenges the notion of the Earth as a passive backdrop to human activities, advocating for a more holistic approach that acknowledges the agency and importance of non-human entities. He proposes a reconfiguration of our political, social, and economic systems to address the complex ecological issues at hand. Through "Aterrir," Latour prompts us to reevaluate our relationship with the Earth and rethink our role as active participants in shaping a sustainable future. His work calls for a more inclusive and interconnected approach that recognizes the intricate interdependencies between humans, nature, and technology......read more

Buckminster Fuller, a visionary architect, inventor, and futurist, coined the term "energy slaves" to shed light on the hidden energy costs that underlie our modern lifestyles. Fuller recognized that energy, in various forms, was the fundamental driving force behind human activities and societal progress. He believed that individuals and societies relied heavily on the energy harnessed from non-renewable sources, which he metaphorically referred to as "energy slaves." Fuller emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in how we harness and utilize energy, advocating for sustainable and renewable sources to free ourselves from the dependence on finite resources. He believed that by harnessing the power of renewable energy technologies and maximizing energy efficiency, we could liberate ourselves from the constraints of energy scarcity, reduce our impact on the environment, and create a more equitable and sustainable future. Fuller's concept of energy slaves challenges us to rethink our relationship with energy and consider the long-term consequences of our energy choices......read more

Paul Virilio, a philosopher and urbanist, argued that the ever-increasing speed of technological advancements and information dissemination has significant implications for our lives, cultures, and environments. Virilio believed that speed was not only a physical phenomenon but also a social and political force that shapes our perception of time and space. He critically analyzed the consequences of speed-driven technologies, such as transportation and communication systems, highlighting how they can lead to a loss of human scale, create social inequalities, and generate risks and accidents. Virilio warned against the relentless pursuit of speed without considering its ethical and social implications. His thought-provoking insights on speed have prompted important discussions about the need for critical engagement with the acceleration of modern life and the importance of finding a balance between progress and human well-being......read more

Moonshots, inspired by the ambitious space missions of the past, are crucial for driving innovation, economic growth, and societal transformation. Mazzucato offers a collaborative and mission-oriented approach, where governments, businesses, and civil society work together towards ambitious targets such as addressing climate change, eradicating poverty, and advancing healthcare. By championing moonshots, Mariana Mazzucato has sparked a paradigm shift in how we think about tackling the most pressing issues of our time, encouraging us to dream big and pursue audacious goals for the betterment of society......read more

Jim Rutt, a systems thinker and former CEO, has been a prominent advocate for what he calls the "journey to Game B." Rutt proposes that Game B represents a new paradigm of societal organization that addresses the systemic challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. He argues that the current societal structure, referred to as Game A, is characterized by competition, short-term thinking, and a focus on individual gain, resulting in social, economic, and environmental crises. Rutt envisions Game B as a collaborative, long-term oriented system that prioritizes collective well-being, ecological sustainability, and the development of meaningful relationships. He emphasizes the importance of complexity thinking, decentralised decision-making, and self-organization in navigating the transition from Game A to Game B. Rutt believes that this transformation requires the engagement of diverse stakeholders, the cultivation of new models of governance and economic systems, and a reevaluation of our values and priorities. 

Through his work and advocacy, Jim Rutt inspires individuals and communities to embark on the journey to Game B, offering a vision of a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future......read more

In her book "Surveillance Capitalism" of the same name, Zuboff unveils the pervasive and unprecedented economic system that thrives on the extraction and commodification of personal data. She shows how tech giants and other companies have transformed human experience into a valuable raw material for profit, perpetuating a surveillance infrastructure that surveils and manipulates individuals in the digital realm. Zuboff highlights the profound implications of surveillance capitalism on privacy, autonomy, and democracy, as it erodes personal agency and consolidates power in the hands of a few. She calls for a collective awakening and proactive resistance to the encroachments of surveillance capitalism, urging individuals, policymakers, and society as a whole to establish new norms and regulations that safeguard human rights, personal data protection, and individual sovereignty. Zuboff's work has sparked critical discussions and prompted increased scrutiny of the practices of technology companies, emphasising the urgent need for ethical and democratic frameworks in the digital age......read more

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a renowned scholar, statistician, and author, is widely known for his groundbreaking concept of antifragility. 

In his book "Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder," Taleb challenges the prevailing notion of resilience and introduces the concept of antifragility, which he defines as a system's ability to not only withstand shocks and volatility but actually thrive and improve as a result of them. 

Taleb argues that in an uncertain and complex world, being merely resilient is not enough; we should aim to build systems that benefit from volatility and uncertainty. He highlights that antifragility can be found in various domains, including:

• biological systems, 

• economic systems, 

• personal well-being. 

Taleb encourages individuals, organisations, and societies to embrace antifragility by seeking exposure to manageable risks, avoiding unnecessary fragility, and embracing the idea that adversity and randomness can lead to growth and adaptation. His work has had a profound impact, challenging conventional wisdom and offering a new perspective on how to navigate and thrive in an increasingly uncertain world......read more

Masanobu Fukuoka was a Japanese farmer and philosopher celebrated for his natural farming and re-vegetation of desertified lands. 

Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese farmer and philosopher, is renowned for his revolutionary approach to farming known as "Natural Farming" or "Do-Nothing Farming." 

Fukuoka believed that the key to healing the land lies in working in harmony with nature rather than imposing human interventions. He advocated for a non-intrusive and minimalistic approach to agriculture that aimed to restore the balance and vitality of the ecosystem. 

Fukuoka emphasized the importance of observing and understanding the natural processes of the land, allowing plants and organisms to coexist and self-regulate without excessive human interference. By embracing principles such as no-till farming, seed bombing, and cover cropping, Fukuoka sought to restore the health of the soil, promote biodiversity, and minimize the use of synthetic chemicals and machinery. 

His philosophy extends beyond agricultural practices and encompasses a holistic perspective on our relationship with the Earth. Fukuoka's teachings have inspired a global movement towards regenerative agriculture and sustainable land management, emphasizing the potential of natural systems to heal and regenerate the land.....read more

What are the time, energy, and labour requirements of being in tune with the land in this way? Where do animals – especially cows – fit into this story? Can deep, healthy topsoil be sexy? Daniel is exploring a blueprint for what many more happy, fulfilling lives could look like in a simplified future? .....read more