This book outlines a counterintuitive approach to changing the world by assessing its failures, drawing on myriad disciplines to argue that complex challenges must be met through adaptive trial-and-error practices that do not depend on expert opinions or ready-made solutions. The author shows us a new and inspiring approach to solving the most pressing problems in our lives. When faced with complex situations, we have all become accustomed to looking to our leaders to set out a plan of action and blaze a path to success. He argues that today's challenges simply cannot be tackled with ready-made solutions and expert opinion; the world has become far too unpredictable and profoundly complex. Instead, we must adapt. Weaving together psychology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, physics, and economics, along with the compelling story of hard-won lessons learned in the field, he makes a case for the importance of adaptive trial and error in tackling issues such as climate change, poverty, and financial crises, as well as in fostering innovation and creativity in our business and personal lives. Taking us from corporate boardrooms to the deserts of Iraq, this book explains the necessary ingredients for turning failure into success. It is a handbook for surviving and prospering in our complex and ever-shifting world.

Originally published: 2011.

Adapting -- Conflict, or, How organisations learn -- Creating new ideas that matter, or, Variation -- Finding what works for the poor, or, Selection -- Climate change, or, Changing the rules for success -- Preventing financial meltdowns, or, Decoupling -- The adaptive organisation -- Adapting and you.