The Watchman's Rattle

Thinking Our Way Out of Extinction

By: Rebecca D. Costa

Narrated by: Therese Plummer, Kevin T. Collins

Why can't we solve our problems anymore? Why do threats such as the Gulf oil spill, worldwide recession, terrorism, and global warming suddenly seem unstoppable? Are there limits to the kinds of problems humans can solve?

Rebecca Costa confronts - and offers a solution to - these questions in her highly anticipated and game-changing book, The Watchman's Rattle. She pulls headlines from today's news to demonstrate how accelerating complexity quickly outpaces that rate at which the human brain can develop new capabilities.

With compelling evidence based on research in the rise and fall of the Mayan, Khmer, and Roman empires, Costa shows how the tendency to find a quick solution leads to a frightening long-term consequence: society's ability to solve its most challenging, intractable problems becomes gridlocked, progress slows, and collapse ensues.

A provocative new voice in the tradition of thought leaders Thomas Friedman, Jared Diamond, and Malcolm Gladwell, Costa reveals how we can reverse the downward spiral. Part history, part social science, part biology, The Watchman's Rattle is sure to provoke, engage, and incite change.

©2010 Rebecca D. Costa (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Really liked the narrator

Great read, helped bring basic topics to the forefront of my mind. Would recommend to anyone interested in addressing problems in our society as a whole with well thought solutions.

so much information I need to listen again

Would you listen to The Watchman's Rattle again? Why?

Not only would I listen again, I plan to. There was so much interesting information in this book I was just blown away. The writing was very good and the content was eye opening and insightful. By the description the book sounded interesting but depressing. My mom highly recommended it and I'm glad I took her advice.

What other book might you compare The Watchman's Rattle to and why?

I might compare it to

What about Therese Plummer and Kevin T. Collins ’s performance did you like?

Hmm, that's interesting, I don't remember a man reading on this book. The performance was fine but I was occasionally annoyed by the woman's voice when she adjusted it to read a man's quote.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes. If only there were time.

Any additional comments?

Go get this book.

And I Thought It Was Just Me

Insightful and thought provoking reality check. The comparisons and behaviors in the societies and studies discussed seem futuristic yet so simple. And are here today.... And I though it was just me....

Insightful macro trend insights.

Costa has build a compelling insight into the trends across our social spectrum. Something very helpful and very thought-provoking for those of us who are thinking about the next big thing.

Best book I've read in years period.

There is absolutely no repetition in this book, and each chapter is filled with wisdom and insight. A very different perspective on life, work and society.