The Blindfolded Masochist: Creation Versus Destruction: The Power of Economic Networks

The Blindfolded Masochist examines how our evolution and psychological makeup has led us to be ‘blind’ as individuals. We are unable to see the effects of our individual behaviour on the wider society, and equally unequipped to observe the wider consequence of our behaviour as a group. As such, in our ignorance, we bring harm upon ourselves; we are blindfolded masochists. Understanding network theory: how crowds operate and the intelligence and herd mentality of groups is the key to understanding the modern economy, and resolving the problems it faces. This book will demonstrate: o How networks underpin everything around us o The basics of network theory, game theory and how an individual’s behaviour is affected by the networks they are part of o The positive and negative effects of group behaviour, how the group can innovate and cooperate, but also how quickly errors of judgement are established and reinforced o The impact of groupthink on historical events, particularly with respect to politics and economics; specifically war and financial crises o That we have the technology available to us to maximise the extraordinarily creative potential of the network and limit its destructive potential.