Out of Control: The New Biology of Machines, Social Systems, and the Economic World

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 528 pages
• Published by: Basic Books April 13, 1995
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0201483408
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0201483406
• Book Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.8 pounds

Product Review
In many ways, the 20th century has been the Age of Physics. Out of Control is an accessible and entertaining explanation of why the coming years will probably be the Age of Biology -- particularly evolution and ethology -- and what this will mean to most every aspect of our society. Kelly is an enthusiastic and well-informed guide who explains the promises and implications of this rapidly evolving revolution very well.

Product Review
represents an attempt to comprehend the possible future evolution of everything. This is the wonderful sort of subject which can quickly transform a reader's idle curiosity into an obsessive craving for more knowledge and imaginative interpretation. Kelly offers plenty of both, with hackle-raising enthusiasm, eloquence, and even that scientific rarity, a sense of humor. -- London Spectator

the best of an important new genre. The book offers a pointed reminder that self organizationis the essence of innovation, progress, and life itself. These are eternal ideas -- and ideas whose time has come. -- Forbes ASAP

Reader Reviews
Kevin has produced what I regard as one of the top five books of this decade. A very tough read but worth the effort. I had not understood the entire theory of co-evolution developed by Stewart Brand and represented in the Co-Evolution Quarterly and The Whole Earth until I read this book. Kevin introduces the concept of the "hive mind", addresses how biological systems handle complexity, moves over into industrial ecology and network economics, and concludes with many inspiring reflections on the convergence of biological and technical systems. He was easily a decade if not two ahead of his time.