THE 6IXTH EVOLUTION

A business professional and academic suggests a new model of evolutionary thinking.

In this visionary assessment, Straub tackles what he terms “convulsive events”—occurrences such as the 2008 global economic meltdown and the Covid-19 pandemic—that shape societies in general and human lives in particular. The book’s complex structure centers on six “convulsions,” roughly representing the evolution of the author’s own life and business, intertwined in four parts. The first section expansively describes five “evolutions,” followed by “The 6ixth Evolution” in the second part. Part 3 explains a research-based model that Straub calls “The Promethean Framework,” while Part 4 explores “6e Thinking.” The organization of the volume is multilayered, and the terminology employed may bewilder readers at times, but the content is intriguing, in part because it is based on original research conducted by the author in pursuit of a doctorate. For each of the five evolutions constituting Part 1, Straub cites some of his research to introduce the topic, provides a definition/salient history, discusses “opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned,” and includes a summary of “6 Key Takeaways.” The fifth evolution, “The Great Divide and the Post-Truth World,” is especially current. Here, the author offers a history of polarization, contrasts nationalism and globalism, and presents a lucid discussion of cultural polarities. His key takeaways, such as “A move to nonpartisan or open primary systems, in which voters are not required to declare party affiliation, should be considered,” are insightful. Part 2 delves into the implications of the five evolutions. While it is somewhat repetitious of Part 1, this section takes a more futuristic view of the new world environment. Parts 3 and 4 are the most forward-looking. Straub strongly encourages the use of “The Promethean Framework,” a strategy he devised “to navigate the treacherous waters of our new convulsive environments.” He also recommends applying “6e Thinking,” which “can serve as a platform allowing for renewed focus and energy on key areas of importance.” Despite the author’s detailed descriptions and relevant examples, these concepts may be a bit challenging to grasp for some readers.

While lofty at times, this work delivers a perceptive, far-reaching exploration of evolutionary thinking.