FUTURE PERFECT by Steven Johnson

Combining the deft social analysis of WHERE GOOD IDEAS COME FROM with the optimistic arguments of EVERYTHING BAD IS GOOD FOR YOU, Steven Johnson's new nonfiction book FUTURE PERFECT makes the case that a new model of political change is on the rise, transforming everything from local governments to drug research to arts funding and education. Johnson paints a compelling portrait of this new political worldview -- influenced by the success of the Internet, but not dependent on high-tech solutions -- that breaks with the conventional categories of liberal or conservative thinking.

With his acclaimed flair for multi-disciplinary storytelling and big idea books, Johnson explores this new vision of progress through a series of fascinating narratives: from the "miracle on the Hudson" to the planning of the French railway system to a mysterious outbreak of strange smells in downtown Manhattan to the invention of the Internet itself.

At a time when the conventional wisdom holds that the political system is hopelessly gridlocked with old ideas, Future Perfect makes the timely and inspiring case that progress is still possible, and that new solutions are on the rise.

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  Entertainment

[John Hopkins]

The people may err some of the time -- just as presidents, Congress, and kings do. But given the present bottleneck in Congress, maybe it's time to move some decision-making closer to where the impact will be felt. Decision-making need not be a drawn-out wrangle. Transparency and fair process will validate the process and earn support for the eventual choices.

[Robert Young]

Maybe I'm not seeing the big picture but can the people be trusted to decide what money is spent on?

Also if companies are ran like this surely every decision would take months and a lot of companies would be in conflict with themselves. Time is money and profits could drop.

[Trilok Sabarwal]

suprb very relevant to our situation

[George Reagan]

Love this...and can see how in many ways this form of governance can make old models that failed because they lacked the technology that we have today actually succeed. A good example is the first office of economic opportunity initiative, community action agency.

[MrDavidShare]

Amen seems an appropriate response

[juandgxiii9]

WHERE IS HE LOOKING AT?!!

[gcercy]

anyone who thinks the internet is a peer network has no understanding of how the internet actually works or who owns it.

[Gerd Leonhard]

Steven: well -said, and congrats on your new book (reading it now). Look forward to seeing you in Porto Alegre. Your vision is spot-on!!

[Teamdwa]

kind of stupid that there is no link to where I can buy the book (or am I missing something?)

[Ben Shneiderman]

Peer networks solve problems, create engagement, promote shared responsibility. Technology-Mediated Social Participation triggers the massive chain reaction of human collaboration.