A book that dares to describe individualism as a religion and paint a reality that is primarily virtual, rather than physical. While the authors don’t mind challenging the reader’s view of the self and the world, their main intention is to induce passive receivers of the future to become more active participants. Engaging observations and perceptive interpretations of contemporary society.

This book has been written to advance a vision, to foster the nurture and sustenance of human life on the precious biosphere we call earth—our one and only home. Any vision without foundation is vacuous. So what is our foundation? There are only two basic assumptions about human nature: that we all have spiritual qualities and that our spirits aspire to reach and attain states of being, qualities of life and other things that are higher and better for ourselves and our families. It is an unerring focus on life—one that builds on its relentless force in each of us—reaching for the stars.

Although the Arabian Peninsula is the heartland of Islam and of the Arab world, for decades it did not receive the attention it deserves from scholars and writers. The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and the Middle East Centre of St Antony’s College, Oxford, jointly organized a series of seminars, culminating in a conference at which the papers in this volume (first published in 1972) were discussed. Together they constitute an authoritative statement of our present knowledge of several areas of the Peninsula, with particular emphasis on the Gulf States. Three chapters trace the history of Oman from pre-Islamic times to the recent past, and in so doing emphasize the theme of continuing conflict between sultan and imam. Other chapters examine the Gulf and the Peninsula from the standpoint of inter-Arab and of international relations. The third section of the book is devoted to a discussion of the increasing rate of social change in the area, and the final section deals with problems of oil and state and of economic development.

A guidebook for anyone looking to comprehend and prosper in the new world order In the age of autonomy, two parallel revolutions are unfolding. The first is a technological uprising, in which machines and algorithms achieve an unprecedented level of independence. Automation and AI will transform industries, altering the fabric of our economy and society. But this technological tide is more than a force of disruption; it’s a harbinger of a new way of thinking and living. The parallel revolution is deeply human and even more profound. As traditional structures crumble, a new sense of human autonomy emerges, allowing us to find meaning and direction in unexpected ways. Perspective Agents delves into this complex dance between machine and man, challenging us to adapt to and thrive in this new era. Drawing from extensive research, interviews, and personal experience, communications consultant Chris Perry explores: • The problem with using conventional wisdom to make sense of new realities • How the predominant technologies of an era shape new values, norms, and behaviors • The pioneering mindsets, models, resources, and strategies vital to future success Through an unflinching examination of both technological and human evolution, this book encourages readers to harness the potential of the Autonomous Age, see the world anew through new sources, and forge a path for professional and personal growth.

In the late 1990’s, Swedish social theorists Alexander Bard and Jan Söderqvist started working on a radical new theory, since referred to as The Netocracy Hypothesis. At this early stage Bard & Söderqvist foresaw that the control of the internet would be the subject of the main power struggle for the next century.