Do you understand the construction of the horse cart? Can you explain why a tipple-top toy will tipple? Why don't we have a space elevator yet? And more.

The explanations of these riddles may seem complex at first sight, but they are simple when you use your creativity and lateral thinking. In this book, 'Technical riddles', a collection of technical riddles are explained in detail with many providing hyperlinks to resources for even more information related to the subject. Technical riddles ...

Over the past 60 years high-income countries have invested over 4000 billion euros in development aid. With varying degrees of success, these investments in low-income countries contributed to tackling structural problems such as access to water, health care, and education. Today, however, international development cooperation is no longer restricted to helping by giving. Instead, it is rather about opportunities, mutual interests, risk taking, and an inclusive societal approach. With the arr...

In this book, Maurits v. Falkenreck describes the decay of the Dutch welfare state, and also presents his innovative projects to counter this decay. During his years as an innovator and entrepreneur, he discovered the failing innovation system and culture in which he was operating. This resulted in a sharp and refined analysis of what he calls ‘The Political Ecosystem’.

Based on this model and the philosophical concept of ‘Model-Platonism’, Falkenreck has created a thorough system an...

Manipulation, influence and disinformation are of all times. People have always felt the need to play with reality, but never before has it been so easy and believable as now. The question is how do we keep a grip on information society now that artificial intelligence is starting to interfere with the manipulation game. Unlike most books about fading realities, Real Fake looks beyond the fear scenarios. Special opportunities arise from the realization that the playing human is the engine of ...

On average, mankind uses 1.7 Earths each year for raw materials, food and energy. Many countries even more. Most green initiatives call for action, but do not address the over-consumption and its causes. This manifesto shows our true escape: stop doing, degrowth and help Mother Earth to regenerate. Work with nature, not against it. The knowledge is still here.

People are doers and always call for action. But doing is exactly the root cause of the ecological problems we now face. All of our do...