The latest book from one of my favourite authors, Niall Ferguson centres on the history and the importance of networks in building, shaping and re-shaping human history, throughout the ages.
The evolution of virtual, digital and physical social networks, in the form of social finance, social credit scores and influencer power, are at the core of many of the trends I am researching right now. As such, the Square and the Tower is, for me at least, essential background reading.
Understanding history and the way it repeats itself over and over again (with surprising frequency) is an essential step in becoming an excellent futurist. The farther back we look, the farther forward we can see.