Insight

When we understand them deeply, the ideas of Creative Systems Theory and the concept of Cultural Maturity come to seem like common sense. But this kind of common sense is new—a product of a fundamental leap in how we understand. Many of Creative Systems Theory's core observations are thus appropriately thought of as radical—indeed, audaciously so. They reflect contributions new to the evolving story of human thought. "Insight" turns to those radical observations and just what makes them new and important. It delves into how the changes that the concept of Cultural Maturity describes will be essential to the future of the species. It examines how a creative frame brings a fundamentally new kind of depth to our understanding of why we believe what we do and the workings of human intelligence. It also looks at how Creative Systems Theory's systemic vantage lets us successfully address eternal conceptual quandaries, from the nature of free will to the ultimate relationship between the contributions of science and religion—and much more.

Of all Dr. Charles Johnston's writings, Insight most unabashedly highlights what is original and of major significance in his thinking. From the book's back cover: "When we understand them deeply, the ideas of Creative Systems Theory and the concept of Cultural Maturity come to seem like common sense. But this kind of common sense is new—a product of a fundamental leap in how we understand. Many of Creative Systems Theory's core observations are thus appropriately thought of as radical—indeed, audaciously so. They reflect contributions new to the evolving story of human thought. "Insight turns to those radical observations and just what makes them new and important. It delves into how the changes that the concept of Cultural Maturity describes will be essential to the future of the species. It examines how a creative frame brings a fundamentally new kind of depth to our understanding of why we believe what we do and the workings of human intelligence. It also looks at how Creative Systems Theory's systemic vantage lets us successfully address eternal conceptual quandaries, from the nature of free will to the ultimate relationship between the contributions of science and religion—and much more."

Charles M. Johnston MD is a psychiatrist, author, and futurist. He is best known as the originator of Creative Systems Theory, a comprehensive framework for understanding purpose, change, and interrelationship in human systems with particular pertinence to making sense of the times we live in and the tasks ahead for the species. For twenty-five years he directed the Institute for Creative Development, a Seattle-based think tank and center for advanced leadership training. He has written over a dozen books and numerous articles on the future and what will be required to meet it wisely.