History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Calculations are only as good as your numbers
  • Pants on fire?
  • Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
  • Very Interesting
  • History as Science Fiction
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ChineseChinese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
IrishIrish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
JapaneseJapanese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
WomenWomen | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Augustine, SaintAugustine, Saint | ( A ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Doctors & MedicineDoctors & Medicine | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Lawyers & CriminalsLawyers & Criminals | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Love, Sex & MarriageLove, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Assyria, Babylonia & SumerAssyria, Babylonia & Sumer | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
Early CivilizationEarly Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
HistoriographyHistoriography | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | World | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Asian American | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Asian AmericanAsian American | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
FrenchFrench | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
VictorianVictorian | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
EpicEpic | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GermanGerman | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
RussianRussian | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
SpanishSpanish | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ChineseChinese | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Conspiracy TheoriesConspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
War on DrugsWar on Drugs | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
English (All)English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ArabicArabic | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ArmenianArmenian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
CzechCzech | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
GreekGreek | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
HungarianHungarian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
JapaneseJapanese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
KoreanKorean | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
NorwegianNorwegian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
Persian & FarsiPersian & Farsi | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
PolishPolish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
PortuguesePortuguese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
RomanianRomanian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
RussianRussian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
SwedishSwedish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
TurkishTurkish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ScienceScience | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
Online ResearchOnline Research | Genealogy | Reference | Subjects | Books
Native AmericanNative American | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
History of ScienceHistory of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
Magic & WizardsMagic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Sailor MoonSailor Moon | Popular Characters | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
HistoryHistory | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology) History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
  2. History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III
  3. Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored
  4. Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory
  5. They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies

ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

5 out of 5 stars Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

5 out of 5 stars Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

5 out of 5 stars Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

4 out of 5 stars History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.
Systems Thinking, Systems Practice: Includes a 30-Year Retrospective
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A classic that is very relevant today
  • Checkland's masterpiece
  • Really worthwhile
  • Where it all began...
Systems Thinking, Systems Practice: Includes a 30-Year Retrospective
Peter Checkland
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
MISMIS | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Decision-Making & Problem SolvingDecision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Chaos & SystemsChaos & Systems | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
Acoustics & SoundAcoustics & Sound | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
System TheorySystem Theory | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
AppliedApplied | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books | Biomathematics | Computer Mathematics | Differential Equations | Engineering | Game Theory | General | Graph Theory | Linear Programming | Probability & Statistics | Vector Analysis
Chaos & SystemsChaos & Systems | Mathematics | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
System TheorySystem Theory | Physics | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Information SystemsInformation Systems | Software Engineering | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
All DealsAll Deals | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
Computers & InternetComputers & Internet | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
ScienceScience | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Computers & InternetComputers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ProfessionalProfessional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ScienceScience | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications
  2. An Introduction to General Systems Thinking (Silver Anniversary Edition) An Introduction to General Systems Thinking (Silver Anniversary Edition)
  3. Systems Thinking, Second Edition: Managing Chaos and Complexity: A Platform for Designing Business Architecture Systems Thinking, Second Edition: Managing Chaos and Complexity: A Platform for Designing Business Architecture
  4. Systems Thinking Basics: From Concepts to Causal Loops Systems Thinking Basics: From Concepts to Causal Loops
  5. Ackoff's Best: His Classic writings on Management Ackoff's Best: His Classic writings on Management

ASIN: 0471986062

Book Description

Systems Thinking, Systems Practice "Whether by design, accident or merely synchronicity, Checkland appears to have developed a habit of writing seminal publications near the start of each decade which establish the basis and framework for systems methodology research for that decade." Hamish Rennie, Journal of the Operational Research Society, 1992 Thirty years ago Peter Checkland set out to test whether the Systems Engineering (SE) approach, highly successful in technical problems, could be used by managers coping with the unfolding complexities of organizational life. The straightforward transfer of SE to the broader situations of management was not possible, but by insisting on a combination of systems thinking strongly linked to real-world practice Checkland and his collaborators developed an alternative approach - Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) - which enables managers of all kinds and at any level to deal with the subtleties and confusions of the situations they face. This work established the now accepted distinction between 'hard' systems thinking, in which parts of the world are taken to be 'systems' which can be 'engineered', and 'soft' systems thinking in which the focus is on making sure the process of inquiry into real-world complexity is itself a system for learning. Systems Thinking, Systems Practice (1981) and Soft Systems Methodology in Action (1990) together with an earlier paper Towards a Systems-based Methodology for Real-World Problem Solving (1972) have long been recognized as classics in the field. Now Peter Checkland has looked back over the three decades of SSM development, brought the account of it up to date, and reflected on the whole evolutionary process which has produced a mature SSM. SSM: A 30-Year Retrospective, here included with Systems Thinking, Systems Practice closes a chapter on what is undoubtedly the most significant single research programme on the use of systems ideas in problem solving. Now retired from full-time university work, Peter Checkland continues his research as a Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A classic that is very relevant today.......2007-06-13

I originallay read (and wrote a paper about) Checkland's ideas in 1990 whilst I was studying for my MBA. Then his ideas seemed revolutionary, insightful and impractical. Re-visiting his book nearly 20 years on little has changed in my view of its content, but the world has moved on and what seemed impractical now appears possible.

I would urge anyone involved in creating modern systems based on distributed and dynamic principles to study Checkland.

5 out of 5 stars Checkland's masterpiece.......2004-10-23

When I first read this book I thought it to be revolutionary, ahead of it's time (as others have) and insightful. Despite the fact that Checkland has in large moved away from the ideas and the model of this book - to me it represents the original vision of SSM (soft systems methodology) more so than his later books. Checkland presents a history of systems thinking in the book then goes onto to discuss the need for a new approach - that of SSM. With extreme elegance of style Checkland delivers a long and stinging critique to Hard Systems thinking and presents a coherent and thoughtful argument for his own version SSM. Further he creates a platform for real world problem solving that is useful and interesting. A lot of his ideas have appeared in American texts (like the fifth discipline for example) and rarely are they credited or made use of in that regard. This book is a good place to start exploring the real world of problems with but I would highly recommended that before you go to his two other books you start here. This in my opinion has not been bettered in any systems context to date and I am not sure it ever will or could be. Having said that you really do need to read it and find out for yourself. Be warned it's not for those who want to be challenged in their thinking - especially those of you who don't like the qualitative stuff.

5 out of 5 stars Really worthwhile.......2004-07-02

This book is a gem. The basic concepts of systems, hierarchies and emergent properties are developed from the methodologies of physical and social sciences in chapter 3, and makes for fascinating reading. I'm currently writing a master's thesis on it! =)

If you're studying management of information systems or something similar, you are probably sick and tired of overly theoretical approaches to the subject which seem to be just excuses for academics to publish rubbish (eg. structuration, actor network theory, etc). This book may save you from a nervous breakdown.

5 out of 5 stars Where it all began..........2002-07-12

Well, since I've been on a bit of a 'systems' binge lately, I might as well review this old gem...

Checkland's book was the first to introduce the differentiation between 'soft' and 'hard' systems analysis. Soft analysis is much more akin to a general, somewhat philosophical approach to the methodology whereas hard analysis is the development of usable engineering models.

First off, this book is actually two books - the first is a fairly long paper that neatly sums up the systems approach over the 30 years it has been explored. The consensus? Things looked really promising at the beginning but unfortunately the approach simply got hung up on the very thing it was trying to escape: science's current preoccupation with reductionism. That is, the hard systems approach attracted the most attention and it quickly succumbed to the very trap it sought to escape starting with its use of rigidly-defined symbols right up to the detailed diddling with mathematical models that, similar to earlier approaches, did not model reality at all due to assumptions and oversimplification.

Checkland is much more interested in the soft approach and he consistently laments the fact that systems methodology is not being taught even though it holds so much promise to solving many of our pressing problems. The overview presses this point home and should be required reading for anyone in management or engineering.

The second section, the original book with a few revisions, is still very relevant. Checkland's focus, soft systems, never was given a chance given our preoccupation with reductionism. Given the recent failures of reductionism, particularly the genome-mapping fiasco, cast systems theory in new light.

Checkland starts out with an excellent overview of the history of science from a (mostly) philosophical perspective. This very readable overview leads directly into his discussion of the history and early development of systems theory. He then focuses on systems methodology (soft systems theory) with some general applications.

The approach is very readable and should be easily understood by anyone - in fact, Checkland stresses the importance of having a wide base of knowledge to help solve real-world problems and points out that much work has been done by people who 'migrated' from other fields. Smuts, one of the pioneers, was actually a politician and only wrote a systems book after losing an election...

It is unfortunate that there are no references to Robert Rosen here since his work, more of a 'hard' approach to systems theory, fully supports Checkland's ideas. In fact, there is a lot of material that should be included as 'backup' for why the systems approach is important as a new direction away from reductionism. Perlovsky's work in cybernetics, Jopling's recent work on self-knowledge, Prigogine's work in thermodynamics and even Kauffman's attempts in biology now point to hypotheses that are only compatible with a systems methodology.

This book, as mentioned above, should be required reading these days. Certainly for anyone contemplating management or engineering it is a very important reference. In fact, the book could basically be used in high-school with a bit of help from Weinberg's systems books. For those looking for more application-specific information I recommend von Bertalanffy's original, Rosen's work, and perhaps a side helping of Weinberg and Gharajedaghi for more ideas.
Profit for Life: How Capitalism Excels
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Review of Profit for Life: How Capitalism Excels by Joseph H. Bragdon
  • Book Review for Profit for Life: How Capitalism Excels
  • An Extraordinary Book: A Must Read
  • Excellent, highly readable information
Profit for Life: How Capitalism Excels
Joseph H. Bragdon
Manufacturer: SoL, the Society for Organizational Learnaing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

WorkplaceWorkplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ManagementManagement | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Learning for Sustainability Learning for Sustainability
  2. Theory U: Leading from the Future as it Emerges Theory U: Leading from the Future as it Emerges
  3. The World Cafe: Shaping Our Futures Through Conversations That Matter The World Cafe: Shaping Our Futures Through Conversations That Matter
  4. The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization
  5. The Triple Bottom Line: How Today's Best-Run Companies Are Achieving Economic, Social and Environmental Success -- and How You Can Too The Triple Bottom Line: How Today's Best-Run Companies Are Achieving Economic, Social and Environmental Success -- and How You Can Too

ASIN: 0974239038
Release Date: 2006-10-26

Product Description

Two fundamentally different business models of capitalism are operating in the business world today. One is self-destructive and increasingly corrupt. The other is emergent, flourishing, and inspirational. The author explains the differences between the two and reveals the extraordinary results of the more successful model. Profit for Life draws on nearly forty years of research on the empirical connections between stewardship and profitability.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Review of Profit for Life: How Capitalism Excels by Joseph H. Bragdon.......2007-04-08

Profit for Life shatters the old paradigm that success in business means sucking the life from people and natural resources by viewing both as dispensable commodities. By showing us how success in business--including big business--goes hand-in-hand with respect for human and natural communities, Bragdon frees us from the wrenching misconception that profit and citizenship represent a kind of zero-sum game.

Bragdon unites head and heart in one of the most uplifting books I have ever read. Profit for Life offers hope with a firm footing. I recommend Profit for Life to anyone with an interest in business management, strategic investment, or corporate citizenship.

Daniel D. Dutcher, J.D., Ph.D.
Project Director
The Clean Energy Group
Montpelier, Vermont

5 out of 5 stars Book Review for Profit for Life: How Capitalism Excels.......2007-01-31

Book Review for Profit for Life: How Capitalism Excels
by Ann McGee-Cooper

How do you measure the value of servant leadership in business? How can we know it works? These have been two of the most frequently asked questions in our consulting practice over the past 30 years.

In Profit for Life, Jay Bragdon provides us with some compelling answers. He does this by setting aside much of the linear cause-and-effect thinking that drives business these days, and adopts a more rounded, holistic approach that gives us deeper insight into the firm.

The book is based on the experiences of 60 companies - Bragdon's "learning lab" - that broadly represent the industry/sector diversity of the world economy. Throughout the text he describes 16 of these pioneering companies, called the Focus Group. The distinguishing feature of all these firms is their effort to mimic living systems - in the ways they organize, manage and add value. This mental model is radically different from the traditional one that views the firm as a money making machine.

Although it may seem counter intuitive, the living system approach yields vastly superior results than the traditional one. For example, the average equity return of learning lab companies was nearly double the S&P 500 over the past decade; and their excess performance continues as this review is written. Bragdon expects such premium returns will diminish over time as the more effective methods of the living system model become copied and enter the mainstream. Nevertheless, these results are a strong affirmation of the milieu in which servant leadership normally operates.

Servant leadership, to Bragdon, is all about relationships. He says "relational equity" is the foundation on which companies build financial equity. When companies care about people and the things people care about, Employees become inspired and their inspiration cascades into everything they do, including their relationships with customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders.

The raison d'etre of these servant-led firms is value creation - value that permeates all relationships. Companies that excel at such value creation pursue a strategy Bragdon calls "living asset stewardship" (LAS). The fundamental premise of LAS is: Profit arises from life, and must therefore serve life if it is to be sustainable.

To understand the strategic value of living asset stewardship, Bragdon makes a critical distinction between living assets (people and Nature) and non-living capital assets (buildings, equipment and financial reserves). We see this in three contexts. First, people are closely bonded to Nature - genetically, physically and spiritually - in ways that capital assets are not. Second, living assets are the source of non-living capital assets. And third, because living assets are inherently creative and emergent, their value grows over time rather than depreciating as capital assets do.

The operating leverage in the learning lab and the 16 Focus Group companies resides in the human heart rather than in mechanistic financial gearing. This is supported by the fact that they generate consistently higher returns on equity while carrying substantially lower debt ratios.

Although traditionally managed companies have been adopting some stewardship practices in the past decade, Bragdon finds their approach differs fundamentally from those in his study. In the mechanistic view of these firms, stewardship is an add-on that is subservient to their drive for profit. By contrast, in companies that have adopted the living system model, LAS is deeply woven into the value creation process - reflecting the fact that they see themselves as "living" and therefore integral to, rather than separate from, Nature and society.

Profit for Life builds on the brilliant work of Arie deGeus, former coordinator of Group Planning at Royal Dutch/Shell, and Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson. DeGeus' classic, The Living Company, noted that long-lived companies had a collective consciousness, were sensitive to their environments, tried to work in harmony with the world around them, and strove to leave a legacy to future generations. Wilson tells us this collective consciousness is an expression of humanity's deep affinity for life, which he calls "biophilia," and that our biophilic instincts have evolved over thousands of generations of natural selection.

In my work as a teacher of servant leadership, I would highlight the paradigm shift Bragdon describes. The mission of leaders in LAS organizations is to serve and grow their people because that is the source of the firm's liveliness and capacity for growth. As Robert K. Greenleaf said: "The first order of business is to build a group of people who, under the influence of the institution, grow taller and become healthier, stronger and more autonomous." That seminal quote is used twice in the book to describe the power and generative capacity of LAS.

I highly recommend this book and will be using it regularly in our practice.

Ann McGee-Cooper, Ed.D., Business Consultant & Executive coach
in the field of Servant Leadership & growing Learning Organization.
Ann McGee-Cooper & Associates, Inc.


5 out of 5 stars An Extraordinary Book: A Must Read.......2006-11-26

I intend to recommend Profit for Life to all my current MBA students. Next fall I am team teaching an MBA core course that combines Operations Management and Managerial Accounting. I intend to make the case that your book should be required reading and part of the course.

I became familiar with the work of W. Edwards Deming in 1990 and attended one of his four day seminars a year later. I also began to follow Peter Senge's work and later read Margaret Wheatley's book, Leadership and the New Science. Tom Johnson's book, Profit Beyond Measure, has been required reading in my Advanced Managerial Accounting elective at the MBA level.

Bragdon's book has brought the ideas, theories, and concepts discussed by these individuals together for me in a way that I could not have imagined. More importantly, he has not only taken their ideas to the next level, but done it in a way that provides a tangible blue print for how to change our current style of command and control management with its focus on profit maximization to a LAS Theory of Management.

The use of the sixteen focus companies from the LAMP INDEX and the author's ability ability to clearly show the distinctions in their style of management from the traditional management models that continue to be taught in almost all business schools, and the success these companies have achieved not just financially, gives those of us hoping to change management education and core business curriculums a new hope.

Thank you for such an outstanding book.

Joseph F. Castellano
Professor, Department of Accounting
University of Dayton Business School

5 out of 5 stars Excellent, highly readable information.......2006-11-18

This is not one of those lightweight business books that repeats its Chapter 1 message over and over. It's chock full of research-based information that anyone involved in the sustainability movement should have. The publisher is Peter Senge's non-profit, so if you're familiar with his excellent work over the years, this would make a great addition to your library. The author's passion for his subject is obvious from page one.
Systemic Intervention - Philosophy, Methodology and Practice (Contemporary Systems Thinking) (CONTEMPORARY SYSTEMS THINKING)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Systemic Intervention - Philosophy, Methodology and Practice (Contemporary Systems Thinking) (CONTEMPORARY SYSTEMS THINKING)
    Gerald Midgley
    Manufacturer: Plenum Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    MethodologyMethodology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    Social WorkSocial Work | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    Social TheorySocial Theory | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    CultureCulture | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    All Amazon UpgradeAll Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
    Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
    NonfictionNonfiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
    All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
    Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
    NonfictionNonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Soft Systems Methodology in Action Soft Systems Methodology in Action
    2. Systems Thinking Basics: From Concepts to Causal Loops Systems Thinking Basics: From Concepts to Causal Loops
    3. Systems Approaches to Management Systems Approaches to Management
    4. The Systems View of the World: A Holistic Vision for Our Time (Advances in Systems Theory, Complexity, and the Human Sciences) The Systems View of the World: A Holistic Vision for Our Time (Advances in Systems Theory, Complexity, and the Human Sciences)
    5. Systems Thinking, Second Edition: Managing Chaos and Complexity: A Platform for Designing Business Architecture Systems Thinking, Second Edition: Managing Chaos and Complexity: A Platform for Designing Business Architecture

    ASIN: 0306464888

    Book Description

    This book aims to rethink systemic intervention to enhance its relevance for supporting social change in the 21st Century. It offers a new systems philosophy and methodology, focusing upon the fundamental importance of exploring value and boundary judgements as part of the intervention process. A pluralist practice is also promoted, and the reader learns how s/he can draw upon a wide variety of theories and methods to maximise flexibility and responsiveness during interventions. Four detailed examples of the practice of systemic intervention are also provided, each of which is used to illustrate a different aspect of the methodology outlined in the book.
    Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • understanding myself
    • A practical resource for better living
    • Reviewed -by C.Gale Perkins-author
    • Gaining Courage to Live Outside of the Bubble
    • My Review of a Great Book
    Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy
    James P. Krehbiel
    Manufacturer: Booklocker.com
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Civil RightsCivil Rights | Nonfiction | Gay & Lesbian | Subjects | Books
    War on DrugsWar on Drugs | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    Anxiety DisordersAnxiety Disorders | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    Clinical PsychologyClinical Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Counseling | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    PsychoanalysisPsychoanalysis | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    Eating DisordersEating Disorders | Children's Health | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. When Perfect Isn't Good Enough: Strategies for Coping with Perfectionism When Perfect Isn't Good Enough: Strategies for Coping with Perfectionism
    2. The Client's Guide to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: How to Live a Healthy, Happy Life...No Matter What! The Client's Guide to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: How to Live a Healthy, Happy Life...No Matter What!
    3. The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients
    4. Reinventing Your Life: The Breakthough Program to End Negative Behavior...and Feel Great Again Reinventing Your Life: The Breakthough Program to End Negative Behavior...and Feel Great Again
    5. The Road Less Traveled, 25th Anniversary Edition : A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth The Road Less Traveled, 25th Anniversary Edition : A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth

    ASIN: 1591138019

    Book Description

    STEPPING OUT OF THE BUBBLE: REFLECTIONS ON THE PILGRIMAGE OF COUNSELING THERAPY is the story of courage and risk taken by those who seek to better their lives. Drawing on the wisdom of those who provided a foundation for counseling theory and and practice, Krehbiel shares his expertise and wealth of experience. By sharing personal experiences, you will find encouragement to move forward in the journey toward personal growth and development.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars understanding myself.......2007-05-01

    After reading Stepping Out of the Bubble a year ago, I went back and read it again for a second time. I was able to pick up even more information this time around that helped me understand and overcome some of my own internal conflicts. This is a book you can read at any point in your life and always find information that pertains to that particular moment. Krehbiel has a way of explaining things that others may consider unexplainable. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or just a guy like me, this book can and will change your life.

    5 out of 5 stars A practical resource for better living.......2006-03-27

    For me, "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" was reminiscent of the renowned books of author, M. Scott Peck, in the style of presenting profound insights into sensible, easy-to-understand language and clear ideas an average person can relate to. Practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and author of "Stepping Out Of The Bubble", James Krehbiel proficiently shares a portion of his expertise, condensing great weight into accessible and workable solutions for a more fulfilling life's plan.

    The "bubble" represents our security and comfort zone, but it is also the inner place where we store the pain of our past experiences and the unpleasant reality of that not being made conscious which keeps us bound in unhealthy and self-defeating patterns. Staying within this bubble limits our emotional responsiveness as we numb ourselves to the coexistence even as unresolved issues unconsciously filter forth. To step outside of the bubble is to courageously examine the contents in all honesty and to face life's reality outside of the bubble. Once outside the bubble, one can move forward to experience life in more emotional depth, fullness and passion. "Being a fully functioning individual is about being true to whom you are and letting things be the way they are," explains author, James Krehbiel.

    With brilliant and compassionate understanding, Mr. Krehbiel briefly details methods used and pertinent case examples within his therapy practice. "Self-regulation is a goal of therapy. I educate people in the fact that all the answers are ultimately within." "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" strives to do the same, by giving information on how we become trapped in the bubble and how beneficial the making of conscious choices to leave, can be.

    Some of the many topics included within this book are: being assertive, characteristics of an "authentic" person, the integration of each of our different personality parts, the difference between true guilt and false guilt, setting boundaries, addictions and addictions to "manic" relationships, awareness (staying in the moment or mindfulness), grounding, honoring one's inner voice, panic attacks, OCD and mood disorders. The section regarding kids and parenting was exceptional, in my opinion, and I found many points about discipline that made much sense. Also appreciated was the section relating to religion (dogma) versus faith (spiritual) as well as what needed to be said about pop culture.

    I enjoyed reading "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" and would recommend it to anyone. It is enriching and inspirational.

    5 out of 5 stars Reviewed -by C.Gale Perkins-author.......2006-03-18

    Stepping Out Of The Bubble by James P. Krehbiel, Is an outstanding book on Counseling Therapy. Krehbiel, is able to put life patterns and fears into perspective so that the lay person can fully understand the mystery that most think is behind counseling. His approach to show that so much of what we seek answers for is within ourselves and with the right counsellor we can become free and step out of the Bubble or Bubbles that a lot of us are in.

    This book should be a gift to every teen and their parents, no home should be without it.

    5 out of 5 stars Gaining Courage to Live Outside of the Bubble.......2006-02-25

    James P. Krehbiel's Stepping Out of the Bubble was a fascinating read. I found myself underlining various passages. His explanation of how we get stuck in the bubble (comfort zone), and how we find our way out is powerful. It provided me with hope as I move through my own personal journey. I found myself experiencing an emotional reaction to many of the case examples and concepts he explored. He definitely hit some "hot buttons" in my life. But Mr. Krehbiel also provided specific guidelines and tools for stepping out of the bubble. At one point he says, "Courage can be defined by those who live outside the bubble as opposed to those who live in it. I like to compare stepping out of the bubble to wading into the water."

    His chapter which includes ideas on multidimensional thinking is appropriate in today's political climate. He indicates that true dialogue takes into consideration the appreciation for differences in opinions. He makes some profound statements about pop culture's affect on the lives of today's children. He also gives parents tools and resources for assisting their children in bettering their behavior. The book ends with a resounding "yes" to life with a hopeful, powerful way of perceiving and reframing life's problems. This was an excellent book!

    5 out of 5 stars My Review of a Great Book.......2006-02-23


    "Stepping Out of the Bubble : Reflections On the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy by James P. Krehbiel is an amazing and outstanding book that provides help and direction to the many people that are suffering from problems described in this book.

    I was amazed at how many of the problems and challenges, that the author writes about, are problems and challenges I have seen many people suffer with.

    The counseling theory and practice information in this book provides a direction for people that have a problem and are willing to go to counseling and risk moving forward in their journey toward finding personal growth and development, and eventually stepping out of the bubble.

    Many people have problems and challenges that they never seek help for and they and their loved ones continue to suffer. This book goes a long way in bringing the thought of counseling to people and helping people to better understand the counseling process.

    To author James P. Krehbiel thank you for writing your great book. I am convinced your book will help many people and because of your book many more people will step out of the bubble. I recommend this book very highly and also feel it would be a great college text.
    Thinking from Within: A Hands-on Strategy Practice
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Thinking from Within: A Hands-on Strategy Practice

      Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      Strategy & CompetitionStrategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
      ManagementManagement | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
      Systems & PlanningSystems & Planning | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
      CognitiveCognitive | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
      All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Theory U: Leading from the Future as it Emerges Theory U: Leading from the Future as it Emerges

      ASIN: 1403986703
      Release Date: 2006-03-16

      Book Description

      Strategy practice has become synonymous with strategic thinking, and ideally thinking while sitting around a table. Strategy from Within is a tribute to the idea that strategy should be practiced in ways that fuel our minds by engaging our bodies in new ways. When we do strategy rather than think strategy, we engage our senses so that we describe, create and challenge what we know in ways that pure intellectual reasoning cannot. This book describes, illustrates and deliberates the ideas and activities that can transform strategy into a more imaginative, reflective, and responsible practice.
      The centre's best practices strategy school: The systems thinking approach from "complexity to simplicity"
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        The centre's best practices strategy school: The systems thinking approach from "complexity to simplicity"
        Stephen G Haines
        Manufacturer: Centre for Strategic Management
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Unknown Binding

        ManagementManagement | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: B0006S6YGK
        Changing Organisations: Clinicians as Agents of Change (Systemic Thinking and Practice)
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Changing Organisations: Clinicians as Agents of Change (Systemic Thinking and Practice)

          Manufacturer: Karnac Books
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
          Occupational & OrganizationalOccupational & Organizational | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
          Public HealthPublic Health | Administration & Policy | Medicine | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Psychiatry | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books
          Organizational BehaviorOrganizational Behavior | Business Management | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 1855752182

          Book Description

          This work provides a rich mine of ideas to stimulate thinking about organizational interaction, and organizations in relation to various socio/cultural values.
          Constructionism in Practice: Designing, Thinking, and Learning in A Digital World
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Constructionism in Practice: Designing, Thinking, and Learning in A Digital World

            Manufacturer: Lawrence Erlbaum
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover

            Computers & InternetComputers & Internet | Subjects | Books | Home Computing | Apple | Audiobooks | Business & Culture | Certification Central | Computer Science | Databases | Digital Music | Digital Photography & Video | Games & Strategy Guides | Graphic Design | Hardware | Microsoft | Mobile & Wireless Computing | Networking | Operating Systems | Programming | Project Management | Security & Encryption | Software | Web Development | General
            GeneralGeneral | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
            Educational PsychologyEducational Psychology | Education Theory | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
            Computers & TechnologyComputers & Technology | Technology & Distance Learning | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Education | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
            Similar Items:
            1. Teaching With Technology: Creating Student-Centered Classrooms Teaching With Technology: Creating Student-Centered Classrooms
            2. Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments
            3. Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life (Masterminds Series) Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life (Masterminds Series)
            4. Minds in Play: Computer Game Design As A Context for Children's Learning Minds in Play: Computer Game Design As A Context for Children's Learning

            ASIN: 0805819843

            Book Description

            The digital revolution necessitates, but also makes possible, radical changes in how and what we learn. This book describes a set of innovative educational research projects at the MIT Media Laboratory, illustrating how new computational technologies can transform our conceptions of learning, education, and knowledge. The book draws on real-world education experiments conducted in formal and informal contexts: from inner-city schools and university labs to neighborhoods and after-school clubhouses. The papers in this book are divided in four interrelated sections as follows:

            * Perspectives in Constructionism further develops the intellectual underpinnings of constructionist theory. This section looks closely at the role of perspective-taking in learning and discusses how both cognitive and affective processes play a central role in building connections between old and new knowledge.

            * Learning through Design analyzes the relationship between designing and learning, and discusses ways that design activities can provide personally meaningful contexts for learning. This section investigates how and why children can learn through the processes of constructing artifacts such as games, textile patterns, robots and interactive devices.

            * Learning in Communities focuses on the social aspects of constructionist learning, recognizing that how people learn is deeply influenced by the communities and cultures with which they interact. It examines the nature of learning in classroom, inner-city, and virtual communities.

            * Learning about Systems examines how students make sense of biological, technological, and mathematical systems. This section explores the conceptual and epistemological barriers to learning about feedback, self-organization, and probability, and it discusses new technological tools and activities that can help people develop new ways of thinking about these phenomena.

            Culture and System in Family Therapy (Systemic Thinking and Practice Series)
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Culture and System in Family Therapy (Systemic Thinking and Practice Series)
              Inga-Britt Krause
              Manufacturer: Karnac Books
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback

              Couples & Family TherapyCouples & Family Therapy | Counseling | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
              Psychotherapy, TA & NLPPsychotherapy, TA & NLP | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
              Discrimination & RacismDiscrimination & Racism | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
              Family RelationshipsFamily Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books | Child Abuse | Divorce | Dysfunctional Relationships | Fatherhood | General | Grandparenting | Motherhood | Parent & Adult Child | Siblings | Stepparenting & Blended Families | Twins & Multiples
              GeneralGeneral | Psychiatry | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books
              ASIN: 1855752786

              Book Description

              Starting with the MacPherson Report and its pronouncements on racism in Britain and in particular 'institutionalised racism', Dr Krause focuses on the practice of family therapy and draws on her expertise as both anthropologist and systemic family psychotherapist to formulate a cogent critical evaluation of the field.

              Books:

              1. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
              2. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
              3. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
              4. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
              5. History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
              6. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper: 6th Edition (How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (Day))
              7. Identity and Violence: The Illusion of Destiny (Issues of Our Time)
              8. Impact Tectonics (Impact Studies)
              9. Introducing Cultural Anthropology
              10. Introduction to Nursing Informatics (Health Informatics)

              Books Index

              Books Home

              Recommended Books

              1. Huey Long
              2. Driven To Distraction : Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Throug
              3. Clara Callan: A Novel
              4. Continuous Bloom
              5. Daredevil: The Man Without Fear
              6. Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters
              7. Discrete-Time Signal Processing
              8. T-Rex to Go: Build Your Own from Chicken Bones; Foolproof Instructions For Budding Paleontologists
              9. Breaking Out of the Box: The Biography of Edward De Bono
              10. Memoirs of the Life of Colonel Hutchinson: With a Fragment of Autobiography