a compelling work of social theory that illuminates the promise of an emerging 21st century institutional form: the "rich community" built on diversity and differentiated identities joined by collaboration and mutual adjustment. Professor Heckscher documents its rise and the fumbles and controversies along the way, arguing that the shared sensibility of this kind of loosely-bounded, fluid, Internet-enabled community is necessary ... Read moreto solve major world problems such as climate change, global conflict, or racial tensions. The book harks back to Weber in its emphasis on patterns of meaning, yet is highly relevant to the big questions of our time
Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Business School
At a moment in which social scientists seem to be shying away from the big questions that animated classical social theory, Trust in a Complex World takes on the most significant problems of our time and addresses them in a fresh and compelling way. Building upon a deep foundation of social theory, knowledge of the social-science literature, and just plain erudition, the author argues convincingly that both traditional and communitarian forms of community are unequal to the challenges contemporary societies face, and (with appropriate caution and reflexivity) proposes as third model of community, better adapted to current conditions and inchoate in several contemporary institutions, that offers a potential solution. In both diagnosis and prescription, this is a book with which every social scientist - indeed, every educated citizen - will find it profitable to read and engage.
Paul DiMaggio, Princeton University
Our world seems to grow ever more fragmented, even as technology allows us to connect with others around the world on a daily basis. [Those on the political right and left both advocate for greater community, although they often mean different things.] Charles Hecksher's Trust in a Complex World lays out how we can build the trust we need to solve the big problems we face as a species. He advocates for a "rich community" that allows people to collaborate across the boundaries that traditionally separated us. [It is a hopeful book for an anxious age.]
Gerald F. Davis, Wilbur K. Pierpont Professor of Management, The University of Michigan
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