Thinking in systems
by Donella H. Meadows, Diana Wright · first published 2008
76% recommend23% neutral1% critical
Why HN recommends it
Approachable primer on system dynamics (feedback loops, equilibrium, leverage points) that changes how you see technical, social, and economic systems; suits software engineers, managers, and newcomers to systems theory.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
A clear, thoughtful, and wide-reaching exploration of complex systems, in theory and in practice. Meadows was a masterful and elegant writer and researcher, and an early voice in systems analysis at MIT and elsewhere. This book, completed from draft manuscript after Meadows' death, is both accessible and deeply thought-provoking. She connects the dots between careful descriptions of systems analysis and systems insights, and the personal, social, societal, and political implications of systems thinking.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
Related books
2009–2026An introduction to general systems thinking
Gerald M. Weinberg
Recommended by 24 · mentioned by 3124 recommend · 31 mention24 recommend · 3124 recommend
2018–2022Systems thinking for social change
David Peter Stroh
Recommended by 3 · mentioned by 43 recommend · 4 mention3 recommend · 43 recommend
2012–2026The Fifth Discipline
Peter Senge, Peter M. Senge
Recommended by 23 · mentioned by 3123 recommend · 31 mention23 recommend · 3123 recommend
2011–2026Business dynamics
John Sterman
Recommended by 9 · mentioned by 139 recommend · 13 mention9 recommend · 139 recommend
2021–2024Opening the heart of compassion
Martin Lowenthal
Recommended by 2 · mentioned by 22 recommend · 2 mention2 recommend · 22 recommend
2018The Fifth discipline fieldbook
Peter M. Senge
Recommended by 3 · mentioned by 33 recommend · 3 mention3 recommend · 33 recommend
2017–2023The science of selling
Hoffeld, David (Economist)
Recommended by 1 · mentioned by 21 recommend · 2 mention1 recommend · 21 recommend
…Misjudgment Predictably Irrational - by Dan Ariely Daniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and Slow The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life - Twyla Tharp Michael Michalko - Creative Thinkering Thinking in Systems: A Primer - Donella H. Meadows The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt
on “Ask HN: What books to read on developing mental models and increasing cognition?” ↗…and keen, here are a few books that are much more helpful IMO: - The Manager's Path, by Camille Fournier - An Elegant Puzzle, by Will Larson - Team Topologies, by Matthew Skelton and Manuel Pais - Thinking in Systems, by Donella Meadows - Also see: references cited in the above and other works by same authors Disclaimer: Not a seasoned EM and definitely not the first to recommend these on HN.
on “Engineering Management” ↗…Fast and Slow (loved it) The Elephant In The Brain (seriously underrated) The Brain That Changes Itself (inspirationally freaky) The Power of Habit (good!) The Secret Barrister (mildly disturbing) Thinking In Systems (huge fan of this book!) A Short History of Truth (meh...) Man's Search For Meaning (brooo... I am so sorry) Thinking In Bets (meh.. really meh) The Road To Ruin (alright. Interesting even.) Lying…
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2018?” ↗…environment, but almost no one who cares and understands. So in about a decade since reading it, I haven't found anyone I can talk to about it meaningfully. A great companion by one of the authors is Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows -- https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Systems-Donella-H-Meadows/dp.... Both changed my views more than almost any other books.
on “The Limits to Growth (1972) [pdf]” ↗…Elixir (http://elixir-lang.org/) since it's based on the highly-resilient Erlang and is designed to embrace failure. This was also informed by me reading Nassim Taleb's book "Antifragile" as well as "Thinking in Systems: A Primer" by the (late) Donella Meadows.
on “United Airlines System-Wide Computer Problem” ↗"Thinking In Systems: A Primer" was a wonderful introduction to the topic. https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Systems-Donella-H-Meadows/dp...
on “Loopy: a tool for thinking in systems” ↗I didn't know that website but it seems to have lots of interesting content. On a related note, Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella H. Meadows is one of my favorite books.
on “A Lifetime of Systems Thinking” ↗Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella Meadows Once you start looking for positive and negative feedback loops in the world around you, it's hard to stop. In particular, Meadow's book is great because it also goes beyond…
on “Ask HN: Which books teach mental models?” ↗A great book for this is Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows. She has many illustrative examples that really help get the points across. Coming from an electrical engineering background, I found her discussion around the interactions between…
on “How to Be a Systems Thinker” ↗…actually using the software, your software system design will be stronger). I'm sure others will cite this too, but I don't see it yet at the time I'm writing this, so for a specific book let me recommend Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows[0] [0]https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/thinking-in-systems/
on “How to become good at system design?” ↗…There are way too many myopic decisions being made all across the board. For specific programming languages, I think Elixir is a great investment. Edit: Some systems reading if anyone is curious: * Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows * Designing Freedom by Stafford Beer. I also recommend anything by Stafford Beer. * Anything by Christopher Alexander * Systems Thinking For Social Change: A Practical Guide to…
on “Ask HN: Top Skills to Learn for 2023?” ↗…also worth mentioning that game theory isn't the only game or theory in town when it comes to thinking about society and collective action. For example, systems dynamics is also quite interesting; see Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella Meadows. To get a handle for police corruption, I'd argue a theory probably should explain how and why: * corrupt police do/don't get caught * corrupt police do/don't rat each…
on “Game theory’s cure for corruption” ↗Does anyone know if there's a strong link between Forrester and Donella Meadows, of Thinking in Systems? I'm reading that book after seeing it praised more than once on HN. Meadows provides lots of food for thought, and I think I could make my workplace better if I figured out how to apply some of the…
on “Model Metropolis” ↗"Metaphors We Live By" by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson changed how I thought about language and how I use it to orient myself in the world. "Thinking in Systems: A Primer" by Donella Meadows changed how I approached designing/troubleshooting software systems as well as changed how I think about political policy decisions and their results. "Object Thinking"…
on “Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything?” ↗This is a great point. I read Thinking in Systems a few years ago and it changed how I observe and try to influence (or not) existing systems. Highly recommend. https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Systems-Donella-H-Meadows/dp...
on “Ask HN: What has your work taught you that other people don't realize?” ↗