The pandemic climate change rising populism geo-political unrest - just a few of the issues
causing turbulence in today's world. We are living and working in times that are complex and
fast changing. If complexity theory is good for anything it must be able to throw light on
this global landscape and help us to think through what to do in response. Jean Boulton
with her background in the physical as well as the social sciences and her practical
experience of management and consultancy is well placed to present complexity theory and its
implications in a way that is fresh profound and accessible. The Dao of Complexity is a
book about challenging and deepening worldviews connecting ideas from such diverse fields as
quantum physics process philosophy phenomenology systems change politics economics and
psychology as well as ancient wisdom. It explores what 'making sense' of the world means in
these turbulent times and how that galvanises action. The book introduces 'process complexity'.
It explores the remarkable resonance between the complexity worldview and Daoism engaging with
the processual contextual and emergent nature both of ourselves and of the world of which we
are a part. Jean discusses what this means for those of us trying to make a difference trying
to 'make waves' in a world of increasing connectivity polarisation and fragility. Taking
its lead from Daoist texts the design encourages readers to open at any page and use the short
stand-alone yet networked pieces as reflective starting points. This book is about change -
how to attune to its natural flow and how to 'make change happen'. It will be of interest to
scholars and students of management and sustainability as well as practicing managers policy
makers and consultants looking for inspiration. The general reader interested in science
philosophy and ancient wisdom will find relatable material to explore how to engage effectively
in this complex world.
