Catálogo de publicaciones - libros

“There is something I do not understand here. Why are you writing about ecosystems after the world market and the whole of human history? So far I thought we were going from small to big.” And you were right, Spite We are still going from small to big. Humankind with all its global glory and a few thousand years of written history only occupies a part of Gaia’s ecosystem, which has been developing for almost 4 billion years (Schidlowski, 1988; Holland, 1997). On our seventh and last trip into Netland, we shall learn about the properties of the oldest and biggest network of all: the ecoweb.

“As Pity and I have been attending some religious education before our marriage, I have found you an excellent quotation: ‘And further, by these, my son, be admonished of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh’ (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Don’t you think it is time to finish your book?” I have good news for you, Spite We are indeed approaching the end. In this, the last chapter I will first summarize everything we have learnt about the weak-link-induced stabilization of complex systems. Then I will spend some time redefining weak links and stability. Finally, another set of advice will follow: how to build proper links in your own life. Keep this advice, Spite. Your child may need it even more than you do.