Whole > ∑ Parts, No. 1: Humanity is in a race against wicked problems.

It is not possible to know how little a difference can make a big difference, nor how big a difference will make no difference at all.

W icked problems, where “traditional solutions have been applied, but have not worked,” are expanding in complexity and in numbers. Humanity’s ability to survive them is largely based upon our ability to evolve with them faster than they can overtake us. Will traditional approaches enable us to stay in front of this race, or do we need to radically change our approach?

wicked problem — e.g. a constantly evolving situation — where no single, permanent solution is possible but where continual ‘solutioning’ enables adaptation.

Our children face daunting issues. How will they pay for trillions in unfunded liabilities? Will they discover more renewable sources of energy that do not pollute the planet? Will they control their own lives, or be subjects of oligopolistic rule? For many, the list of challenges can seem quite depressing.

But how would we feel if we were confident in our ability to meet these challenges? What insights would engender this confidence? How would we organize ourselves and architect our systems to win this battle?

Through a series of short and simple posts, we will start a conversation where we hope to eventually engage in meaningful discussions around such questions as:

• Is it possible for the banking industry to reorganize itself so that the risk of another real estate crisis can be mitigated?
• May companies like Tesla re-structure themselves such that they can possess the necessary capital, accelerate innovation, and divest themselves of regulatory friction?
• If Cryptocurrency linked ETFs are unable to attain regulatory approval, what other ways may we connect institutional capital to digital investments?
• Can regulators continue to achieve their regulatory objectives while reducing their burden on the marketplaces and financial systems that they regulate?
• How do we create an insurance system that thrives in the face of natural disasters or shocks to our systems?

If we were to start from scratch, using the tools that we now have at our disposal, what might these systems look like? How might we re-imagine the economic engine that generates our wealth? What are the tools at our disposal? How do we employ them? How can we perceive our world and respond to it so as to win the battle against the growing wicked force around us?

Over the course of the next several months, this series will discuss the building blocks and insights that we believe are the foundation for considering the above and more.

Ultimately, we must unpack the techniques necessary to flourish in times of accelerating change.

Series Overview

The Whole > ∑ Parts Series goal is to discover how to design systems that create an entire revolution in human evolution. Too often we approach problems with a set of assumptions, rules and solution boundaries that no longer need to apply. Rather than attempting to predetermine what knowledge and information is necessary, we should be making information available to all people where and when they need it. Technology innovation should focus on providing tools that create systems of influence and value return for all participants.

Series Pieces:
Whole > ∑ Parts, №1: Humanity is in a race against wicked problems.
Whole > ∑ Parts, №2: What Blockchain Wants.