Systems 1: An Introduction to Systems Thinking

by Draper Kauffman, Morgan Kauffman

The first textbook on systems thinking written for a broad audience, and now updated for the modern reader, Systems 1 is a perfect introduction to the complex systems that make up the world around us. Originally written in 1980, it has remained a classic and a mainstay of workshops and classrooms around the world for 40 years. It has been used in courses for gifted middle schoolers as well as graduate programs. It is the introductory text in Roadmaps, the MIT course on systems theory for educators, and has been incorporated into many business and military training programs. The Chinese translation of the 3rd edition is also widely available. The book begins with a basic summary of systems theory, and proceeds through simple steps to help the reader understand some of the more complex systems that we deal with every day. It concludes with “Kauffman’s Rules,” 30 proverbs that every systems thinker needs to know. The 4th edition has been completely updated, including an entirely new chapter on exponential growth.

Genres: Nonfiction

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2021

Reviews

[Mike Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing, but not useless.

Based on the reputation of the author of the original book, I expected something a little more insightful and a little less cliche'd. The content of this book has been liberalized and dumbed down to a level appropriate for today's public high school graduates. You might find it interesting, but you won't learn anything significant about General Systems Theory from this book. The author has an obvious political bias, but he is short on good argument, proof, or examples that stretch your mind.I

I would not recommend this book.

[Charlie O’Donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I think it is written very well and gives you such a good, accessible introduction to systems thinking. It distills so much wisdom and I could not help but find myself seeing more and more. Applying the theory to life and many areas.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Good starter read, but left me wanting some extra detail and references. Chapter 1 and 8 are the best, together with the “proverbs” at the end.