"The future is not a straight-line-projection of the past. Yet, most people - even scientists - think in linear, cause-effect patterns. The real worl… - Alessandro Magnoli Bocchi

"By nature, ‘complex systems’ grow or decay at exponential rates. As suggested by the butterfly-effect in chaos theory, a negligible change in an ‘original state’ can lead to a radically different ‘resulting state’. In other words, a minor event might have large, unpredictable effects - depending on its: a) position in network (i.e.: initial conditions); b) degree of connectivity (i.e.: ease of interaction); and c) size of the impact".

"We need to learn how to manage ‘non-linear feedback loops’, ‘quantum jumps’, and the unpredictable consequences any event can bring about".

"Thinking about the future gives vertigo. It takes courage to look ahead. The ancient Greeks - when they sought to know - consulted the oracle at Delphi. Religion and magic help manage anxiety, but a dispassionate analysis of data and probabilities may actually provide useful guidance".