The Change Book: Fifty models to explain how things happen

by Mikael Krogerus

How do you make your way in a fast-changing world? Why do we have less and less time? Why are some people unfaithful? Who governs the world?

This book is about change - from the small and seemingly insignificant transitions in our day-to-day lives, to the big and almost incomprehensible shifts in human history. Because if we want to make change happen ourselves, we have to understand it first. Distilling expert wisdom and complex theories, the authors of the bestselling The Decision Book present fifty simple and effective models to help us make sense of our changing world.

Everything is in a constant state of change, from the personal and political to economics and the environment. Whether you're buying a new car, deciding who to vote for, or making an investment, this little book offers surprisingly simple explanations of the biggest theories of transformation that will help you see the world anew - and radically challenge some of your preconceived ideas.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Philosophy, Management, Self Help, Personal Development, Psychology

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Mikael Krogerus is a freelance writer for German and Swiss newspapers and magazines. He was a staff writer with NZZ FOLIO, the supplement magazine of Switzerlands leading newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung, for five years. Prior to that he worked as a copywriter for various advertising agencies. He’s a graduate of the Kaospilot School. He’s a Finnish citizen and was brought up in Sweden and Germany.

Reviews

[Zeynab · Rating 1 out of 5]

این کتاب هیچ چیز جذابی نداشت!
صرفا چند تا تئوری و احتمال رو بیان می‌کرد که هیچ تاثیری در زندگی حال حاضر نداره.

[Emiliya Bozhilova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Хапки от любопитни факти и напомняния без много-много задълбаване, в удачен джобен формат за днешните разконцентрирани времена (някъде четох, че концентрацията на днешния модерен човек върху един обект трае не повече от 8 секунди…). Илюстрациите не навсякъде са максимално ясни, но повечето биват.

2,5⭐️

———
📊„Свободата на човек не се сьстои в това да може да прави каквото си иска, а в това да не трябва да прави онова, което не иска."
ЖАН-ЖАК РУСО

📉“Демокрацията е държавна форма, при която човек казва, каквото иска, но върши каквото му казват.”
Джералд Бари

📈„Какво можете да направите лично Вие ли? Пишете по-политизирано, ако сте журналист. Осъществявайте изследвания в името на по-доброто бодеще, ако сте учен. Разнообразявайте темите за разговор през почивките, ако се трудите на конвейер. Когато отидете на ресторант, питайте откъде е рибата. Поемайте рискове, в случай че се смятате за пелектуалец."
ХАРАЛД ВЕЛЦЕР, Немски социолог

💹„Не знам дали ще стане по-добре, ако се промени. Но трябва да се промени, за да стане добре."
ГЕОРг КРИСТОФ ЛИХТЕНБЕРГ, Виден немски учен от XVIII век.

[Razan Alghriafi · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is talking about financial crises and a lot of today’s economy information. It has a rich and deep material for people who concern about this issues, which supported by models.
Moreover, when we evaluate the book regarding to those professionals in economies, it will be a great book that simplify the idea. But in the other hand, do not read it if you don't have any interests toward economic world.

I'm thinking of re-read it again, it is supposed to be my cup of tea.

[Abdelrahman Tekriti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Ideas, but I felt like this book is more of a summary.
It will be better if the explanations were more detailed

[Fleme Varkey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Authors Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschappeler previously came out with The Decision Book. It was termed as a book containing excellent strategic models and tools for most leadership environments. It taught one through 50 models on decision-making. Now, they are out with another — The Change Book — in which they attempt to give another 50 models to explain how change happens. How do you make your way in a world that is changing at an unprecedented rate? Why do we have less and less time? Why are some people unfaithful? How can our government act against threats before they happen? This book is about change — from the small and seemingly insignificant transitions in our day-to-day lives, to the big and almost incomprehensible shifts in human history.

In The Change Book, you’ll find models explaining financial crises, why biotechnology is the industry of the future and why cities are the new nations. Whet­h­er you’re buying a new car, dec­i­d­ing whom to vote for, or making an investment, this black book offe­rs simple explanations for our complicated world and radically challenge some of our preconceived ideas.

The Change Book, a pocket-sized publication, small enough to slip into a handbag, and a mere 151 pages long, makes the following claim: Understand the change before you go around wanting it. Each section uses models and graphs to present ideas in layman terms. The reasoning be­hind this idea is that we understand concepts better when presented as images. Krogerus makes use of basic pie charts, mind maps, flow charts and axis models in order to translate his ideas into a simpler format. Most seem childlike and useless, but they all fit into a larger scheme of things.

The Change Book is full of stimulating and thought-provoking facts, providing the reader with a plethora of entertaining conversation, but not all will be enthused by models and charts.

[Raed · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a democracy you say what you like and do what you are told- Gerald Barry
Page 31
Rhizome concept of knowledge
If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to - Dorothy Parker
sagan map pioneer 10
Science is a cemetery of dead ideas- Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo
When dictatorship is a fact, revolution is a duty - Victor Hugo

[Arogya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its like a cheat sheet. This book covers a lot of breadth, at the expense of depth. However, it touches upon a lot of ideas, and is engaging throughout.

[Deepu George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some u know some u don't. Some ideas not clear

[Sanjeev Kotnala · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIFTY SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE MODELS TO HELP US MAKE SENSE OF OUR WORLD.

This line hooked me to the book. At that stage I was not aware that the authors already have a hugely successful book "The Decision Book" ( mental note- Must buy and read it too).

The book gives surprisingly simple explanation of our inexplicable world. And it rightly points at the start, ‘if we want to change things we have to understand them first’.

I LIKE THE BOOK AND WOULD REQUEST YOU TO READ IT. A BOOK TO BE EXPERIENCED.

more at http://rivr.sulekha.com/netkot_113067...

[Nakul Shenoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sticking with my love for simple, small, "pocket" books, I recently found a set of three that are definitely worth more than one read: Michael Krogerus & Roman Tschäppeler's The Decision Book, The Change Book, & The Question Book.

Each of these espouse 50 Models that make you ponder on the everyday aspects of life. My personal favourite among the three (and each of them is good!) is The Change Book, which vies to explain "how things happen".

Try it. I know you will enjoy it.

[Miguel Pinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being a brilliant work, it brings an assertive recap of models that help you to understand the world.
the authors explore each model in enough detail and visual material, that aids the understanding of how the model works and also what benefits it brings.
if you are a buff into modeling, this is good read

[Prakash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a book - but a collection of models to think about change. Can get minds and conversations started if you enjoy thinking about...

[Ram M Srinivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is from the author of international best seller "The Decision Book". This book is similar to it wherein it explained about 50types of models and theories that details about how things happen and in crispe on how changes happen. The first edition of "The Change Book" was published in Switzerland during the years 2011 and 2012. Not sure when it was released in Indian region. However I have purchased this book in the year 2016 at Mumbai Airport - crossword bookstores during one of my business travels. Since i purchased nearly three books at that time, i haven't touched this book for past 7years and have broke that streak in 2023.
As an coincidence, i have started reading this book this month once again during a business travel and completed nearly 50% of the book in the 2hours journey. Since i liked it a lot, i have decided to continue only in "me time" without disturbance which finally arrived on this day after 2 weeks of wait. The book is a simple wow and i felt that i have wasted years to read it. As mentioned earlier, the book was published in 2012 and i purchased in 2016, there is one specific chapter titled "The Future Model" where there were data derived from predictions and running bets - in that i was shocked to see 2 of the bets which almost matched with our reality.
1. "2016 Facebook is obsolete" - Facebook is still under use but the usage reduced drastically from 2016 after introduction of Instagram
2. "2020 China's regime is toppled" - China vs COVID was an live example and after effects impacts are under preperation in reality
It is a quick read book but will be interesting to those who like this kind of genre.
The book has a total of 167pages
Price during the purchase was ₹299 and is with hard cover

[Juan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro consigue lo que se propone: lectura ligera, para ratos perdidos. No lo que dice que se propone, que es... No lo tengo muy claro. ¿Que la gente cambie leyéndolo? Tiene hasta un apartado al final para tomar notas y demás.
Al final, es una colección de artículos cortos, con una serie de factoides y gráficos que hablan de una serie de tendencias de la época cuando se escribió. Algunas predicciones, como que China iba a implosionar en 2020, no parece que hayan tenido mucho éxito (aunque para ser justos esta viene de una web, Long Bets, y así se menciona).
Por lo demás, un libro entretenido. Y ya.

[Jean Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

It feels like reading a newsletter that you're genuinely interested in, but with illustrations that you can share with your friends or colleagues to help them understand your interests. I'm definitely going to use the diagrams provided as examples in my work.

In my opinion, the book is more of improving your analogy skills and presenting them in proper diagrams. Although it originally made to tackle economic situations. It's a short read that can be finished in an hour or two.

While the book appreciatively conveys ideas related to various topics in the global economy, the context feels more like a summary, similar to a substack article.

[Danielius Goriunovas · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main problem with this book is that it doesn't tell HOW things happen. It simply rephrases, describes, historical events in metaphors and charts.

That is neither explaining anything, or modeling anything, because modeling is also a different thing - if it was models, it would put those charts to additional use, would say "ah, this thing was such type of curve, same as these other 5 examples". Model is a thing that repeats itself over different situations.

I'm glad that I have spent only 1 euro on this book because otherwise I would have felt scammed. This is neither teaching anything, neither fun to read.

[Priyum Bundhun · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Change Book managed to present a synopsis of many concepts that urges one to reflect about momental yet momentous questions. The writers presents several models in a way that’s visual, comprehensive and adaptable to any scenario.
“The Change Book” is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the dynamics of change. Its clear, concise presentation and practical focus make it a valuable addition to the library of both individuals and professionals. While it may not delve deeply into each topic, it provides a solid foundation and sparks curiosity for further exploration.

[Michael Wolcott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book that pulls together so many ideas, which offers thought provoking questions that help to generate so many other connections. I get so inspired by these books by learning about broad topics and I really appreciate that they’ve taken the time to put as many of these items together. I was hoping it would give me more insight into change management, and instead it was bigger than that. Which was actually more useful for me.

[Vidhi Shah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has fifty models that can help us think about the world. These models are explained by a few paragraphs followed by a simple illustration. They can be seen as brief introductions to different thought models. It's not a book that will drastically change your view of the world, but it is the kind that gently nudges you to start thinking and provides some signposts to help you in that journey.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting read that gives a summary of various different models that have been developed and used over the years to explain how and why different things happen. Each model has a brief history and description with it as well as a little diagram that helps put this in context. As an introduction this book is definitely very useful as a starting point for diving into particular ones that catch your interest in more detail.

[Tristan Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read. I appreciate the diagrams, charts, and other visual aides this book employs. However, this is certainly like a coffee table book or something similar where you own the book for novelty and spectacle more than actually gaining and maintaining any useful knowledge. I’m sure there are some people that gather a lot from this book, but I think the majority of people if they ever even saw this book would never pick it up and would have the same knowledge as me after having read it.

[Gopal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some models are good. No apparent relation between one model and the next. Some are based on hearsay and popular fiction theories. Some however are based on insight from economists, scientists etc. Largely a book to be read with a pinch of salt. And do try to verify yourself all the claims you choose to believe from this book. Personally I think it could've been better structured.

[Bassel · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب عميق بالفعل، لقد أخذني من المزاج اليومي الممل والمتعلق بالاخبار العاجلة وسخافات وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي ومهاتراته الى تفكير طويل وشيق فيما يحدث تحت السطح وبدون ان ينتبه اليه احد الى أشكال من المستقبل ممكنة الحدوث الى تغييرات في البنى الاجتماعية والاقتصاد والى مكانة البشر وتواجدهم مع الاَلات الذكية.

تمرين عالي الجهد للدماغ والتفكير ساقراه بكل تاكيد مرات عديدة.

[Yuni Amir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for those who want to have a screenshot of what matter in the modern world. The models are all fun to read and easy to understand. I suggest after reading this book to read further on the concepts / ideas eg. universal basic income, financial crisis, religion, politics etc.

But for experts, you might find this book to be reductive.

[Amit · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the book does answer a lot of questions, it also lets us ask the same question to ourselves. Some models like climate change is of paramount importance. But overall, I didn't feel like I learnt much. It's not like I know everything, but personally, most things in the book didn't really appeal to me.

[OSCAR GADEA UGARTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un pequeño volumen lleno de ideas y modelos sobre el mundo en que vivimos. Cada idea ocupa una sola página, por lo que se trata sobre todo de hacernos pensar y estimularnos a investigarlas más a fondo, buscando otras fuentes. Aunque es un libro editado en 2012, la mayoría de las ideas son de actualidad.

[Hemant Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loads of 'consulting type' models of explaining, understanding and making sense of change.
Most of them help you define change in a particular manner.
To be effective, you will need to use a combination or a couple of them rather than use one in isolation

[Rijuta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is like a combination of blurbs about topics that in themselves would be independent books. Need to read, re-read and ponder about each topic touched upon independently. A continuous reading isn't advisable as there is a possibility of information overload.

[An Gie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a short read with lots of topic covered that kept me entertained. Its one of those you can carry and read and learned something that was mostly summarized. Definitely gave me some ideas on what to read next.

[Sheirly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The authors manage to explain 50 change models in a simplified visual summary style that it makes it easier to comprehend what changed, understanding current trends and what can change in the future. This is surely worth a re read for me.