DOI
DOI: 10.4324/9781849773386

Summary
Thinking in Systems is a concise and crucial book offering insight for problem-solving on scales ranging from the personal to the global. This essential primer brings systems thinking out of the realm of computers and equations and into the tangible world, showing readers how to develop the systems-thinking skills that thought leaders across the globe consider critical for 21st-century life. While readers will learn the conceptual tools and methods of systems thinking, the heart of the book is grander than methodology. Donella Meadows was known as much for nurturing positive outcomes as she was for delving into the science behind global dilemmas. She reminds readers to pay attention to what is important, not just what is quantifiable, to stay humble and to continue to learn. In a world growing ever more complicated, crowded, and interdependent, Thinking in Systems helps readers avoid confusion and helplessness, the first step toward finding proactive and effective solutions. A vital read for students, professionals and all those concerned with economics, business, sustainability and the environment

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This book, written by one of the champions of systems analysis, Donella Meadows, provides an accessible overview of the methods used in systems analysis. Divided in three parts, from the basics over the way systems are present, and surprising in our life's to the more philosophical aspects of systems thinking.
The book provides the reader with most of the concepts needed to start appluying systems thinking. It does not, however provide any of the mathematics needed for analysis. It is, as the title says a primer.

Point of Strength
This book would be very suitable for a beginners course on systems thinking.