Book Review of The Rational Optimist How Prosperity...

Matt Ridleys book, The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves The latest book by Matt Ridley entitled The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves presents a deep and amazing argument regarding the reason behind the expectation of life getting better and better with the passage of time. According to Ridley (2011), optimism revolves around several aspects of networks, globalization, cooperation, exchange, trade and specialization. Readers belonging to the domain of philosophy consider the book to be highly stimulating. Ridley (2011) has actually synthesized and expanded some of the ideas most readers are already acquainted with. These ideas are reminders of different books and certain connections and patterns exist between them (Easterly, 2010). The discussion based on interplay of ideas is a reminder of Steve Johnson and Frans Johansson. Nick Schulz and Arnold Kling also come to mind after seeing his discussion on evolving modern prosperity. He resembles Tyler Cowen when he discusses about why globalization results in huge creative gains. Greg g Easterbrook also comes to mind at the point where he stresses why we are still pessimistic despite the good news. His discussion pertaining to non-zero sum global cooperation takes readers and researchers to the world of Robert Wright. The foundational work of Adam Smith can be further recalled when he mentions his basic theses regarding exchange and trade (Easterly, 2010; Casnocha, 2011). In Ridleys opinion humanShow MoreRelatedOptimism in Modern Psychology: The Power of Positive Thinking3327 Words   |  14 PagesThroughout history great minds have wondered how individuals differed, and why they acted in particular ways. Traits are defined as non-ending dimensions of personality on which people vary (Carver, C., Scheier M. 2012). Once traits were established they were researched and investigated for their own unique and credible differences from other traits. One interesting trait that has been extensively researched is optimism. From the great lyrical workings of Voltaire, whose stances were those of factRead MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pages. Organization Theory Challenges and Perspectives John McAuley, Joanne Duberley and Phil Johnson . This book is, to my knowledge, the most comprehensive and reliable guide to organisational theory currently available. What is needed is a text that will give a good idea of the breadth and complexity of this important subject, and this is precisely what McAuley, Duberley and Johnson have provided. They have done some sterling service in bringing together the very diverse strands of workRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesOne Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458, or you may fax your request to 201-236-3290. Many of the designations by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book, and the publisher was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed in initial caps or all caps. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Robbins, Stephen P. Organizational behavior / Stephen P. Robbins, Timothy A. JudgeRead MoreProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 PagesCritical chain method Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Reducing Project Duration Leadership Chapter 2 Organization Strategy and Project Selection 1.4 Projects and programs (.2) 1.4.1 Managing the portfolio 1.4.3 Strategy and projects 2.3 Stakeholders and review boards 12.1 RFP’s and vendor selection (.3.4.5) 11.2.2.6 SWAT analysis 6.5.2.7 Schedule compression 9.4.2.5 Leadership skills G.1 Project leadership 10.1 Stakeholder management Chapter 11 Teams Chapter 3 Organization: Structure and