Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds

“I am offering this content as a cluster of thoughts in development, observations, of existing patterns, and questions of how we apply the brilliance of the world around us to our efforts to coexist in and with this world as humans, particularly for those of us seeking to transform the crises of our time, to turn our legacy towards harmony.”

adrienne maree brown invites the natural world as a source of inspiration and wisdom for navigating the challenges of human existence. Through a mosaic of her ideas and existing concepts, she suggests a shift in mindset from dominating or conquering nature to one of respectful cohabitation and encourages the exploration of one’s role in cocreating a more harmonious world.

“I love knowing that the practices of mimicking the natural world have been happening since humans came into existence. This is actually an ancient practice, a recovery rather than a discovery.”

brown highlights the concept of biomimicry as an ancient and inherent practice. The notion of recovery rather than discovery suggests that the principles of emergent strategy grounded in this practice are not a new phenomenon, but rather a reconnection with the age-old wisdom found in the natural world. It implies that by observing and imitating nature’s design, humans can tap into a well of knowledge and inspiration.

“[W]hat we practice at the small scale sets the patterns for the whole system.”

brown highlights the fractal element of emergent strategy, where she recognizes the far-reaching consequences small actions and choices made by individuals can have. It also underscores the importance of agency, as she encourages readers to notice their power to shape systems, starting at the personal and local levels.