SOCIAL PHYSICS How Good Ideas Spread—The Lessons from a New Science

Narrator Robert Petkoff’s flawless performance captures the essence of every phrase and idea of the author’s “new science”—made possible by the easy tracking of phone and social media communication. Pentland upends the cherished belief that we individually control what we believe and do. According to his meticulous research, groupthink and social pressure, especially when we’re interacting positively with familiar people, are much more powerful. With relaxed and confident vocal clarity, Petkoff is exceptional at dialing up the intensity of important ideas or conclusions. Listeners get game-changing insights on the power of collective intelligence to address societal challenges like improving health habits, reducing violence, changing consumer habits, and influencing political direction. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2014]