I. N. Marshall Knihy

In "The Quantum Society" authors Danah Zohar and Ian Marshall offer a compelling vision for transforming society using the insights of quantum physics to illuminate their ideas. Diversity, they suggest, is the creative evolutionary force, and the more diverse the society, the greater the opportunity for transformation and growth. Their theory of cosmic and social evolution allows us to discover the meaning and purpose of society through an appreciation and understanding of pluralistic thinking. The result is an all-embracing social model that celebrates the dynamic unity that is possible when we work together to orchestrate and articulate our interdependence. The quantum society is flexible, evolving, and ambiguous. In short, it reflects the idea of society as a living system. The authors use the language of physics to provide the images and metaphors appropriate for understanding the principles that inform this system, bringing into focus our harmonious place within the natural world.

In their new book Danah Zohar and Ian Marshall envisage two scenarios. The first is business as we know it today - all short-term interest, short-term gain, isolationist thinking, with the material bottom line as king. The second envisages a business culture driven by fundamental values and a deep sense of purpose in which wealth is accumulated to generate a decent profit while acting to raise the common good. The emphasis is on 'stake-holder value', where stake-holders include the human race, present and future, and the planet itself. These are the values of Spiritual Capital. The crucial question, which Zohar and Marshall address, is: How we can move from one scenario to the other? They show how we need to consider three types of capital to make the leap. Rational intelligence (IQ) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) are needed to diagnose the current state, and then the twelve qualities of Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) can be used to bring about the final transformation. The ultimate goal is sustainable capitalism within a framework of a more meaningful working life.