Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Book Review - The Seventh Sense: Power, Fortune, and Survival in the Age of Networks by Joshua Cooper Ramo - Non-Fiction

Joshua Cooper Ramo in his non-fiction book entitled The Seventh Sense: Power, Fortune, and Survival in the Age of Networks takes the reader on a fascinating journey of human adjustment to changing times over the past few generations. As a preamble to each change, Ramo describes the cause of the change and takes the reader back in history to illustrate how and why the change occurred and draws the analogy to what is happening in today’s Age of Networks.

The author beautifully incorporates history and philosophical thoughts from a variety of philosophers to validate his portrayal of human behavior when transforming to living in a different era. Ramo outlines the natural inclination for humans to innovate and create new ways thereby giving rise to the power struggles between those who easily adapt and those who cannot adapt. This is the common thread through the generational changes that have transpired over time and continues in the Age of Networks of today.

The Age of Networks is about being continually connected with the many gadgets that are available on the market. Any form of data is immediately transmitted by everyone and anyone for consumption and reaction. It is instant. Everyone is linked through a mass of wired meshes, known as networks created by those who know how to do it; they design gatelands and are the gatekeepers whereas the users of this connectivity are the gatekept. Here is where Ramo highlights the power shifts of today’s world. The gatekeepers decide who will enter through the gateland. This connectivity can be a source of immense benefit while at the same time be a source of great disruption. The author does not specifically delineate the need for a balance between the benefits and disruptions. Perhaps those in governance will figure it out.

The Seventh Sense is enlightening; it informs, explains and educates the reader on the status of today’s times—the Age of Networks. We’d be advised to join in or be left out in the dark.

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