Chapter 9The Whole is Great

Since the Beginning…

Photo by jankie, Flickr

Since the beginnings of human civilization, connections have shaped and aided our development as a race.

Even the Bible refers to the strength of ties in passages like the Tower of Babylon and the story of Jericho.

Since the Beginning…

Photos by The National Gallery, London and Sir Paul, Flickr

Theorists from Hobbes to Rousseau have speculated about “social contracts” and what would make the best form of human interaction.

The Human Superorganism

Photos by stevendepolo and sara.atkins, Flickr

By joining together, humans are able to accomplish feats otherwise unimaginable, just like ants cooperate to make an ant hill.

The Human Superorganism

Photos by adrigu and gaminrey and Editor B, Flickr

Cooperation is key.

Networks of cooperation can lead to self-sustaining “organisms,” whether it be cells in a human body or human bodies in a neighborhood!

The Human Superorganism

Photos by KidMoxie and tbertor1, Flickr

With this cooperation, networks can do great things.However, the power and influence of networks can also be dangerous.On balance, the impact of networks is for the good of us all.

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Shoes taken from victims

during World War 2

Social Network InequalityThe connections we have with others can influence us to do

many things from giving more to charity to stealing a car.Our connections depend on where we are located in our social network.

There is “positional inequality” -- not because of who we are but because of who we are connected to.

Social Network Inequality

Photos by Andyrob and alexik, Flickr

If you are connected to the right people, you may have opportunities to get jobs, gifts, or other extra benefits.

If you are connected to others you could be influenced to commit crimes or eat unhealthy food.

Position matters.

ConnectedSocial networks seem to have so much power and influence over us…

But remember: Social networks are not just about the influence other have over us, but also about the effect we have on others!