Yancey Strickler

Condensed Summary: This Could Be Our Future by Yancey Strickler

Yancey Strickler's book, This Could Be Our Future, explores the concept of "Bentoism" as a new approach to shaping our society and reevaluating the principles that drive our decision-making. In a world dominated by financial maximization in the form of old-school capitalism, Strickler argues that it is time to transition to a more holistic form of value creation. Drawing on his experience as a co-founder of Kickstarter, Strickler offers a compelling argument for embracing a future that values long-term thinking, community well-being, and the preservation of our shared human and natural resources.

Key Points / Ideas

1. Economic prosperity is not the sole measure of progress:

 

Strickler argues that we have become overly focused on traditional economic metrics, prioritizing financial gain above all else. He suggests that we need to broaden our perspective and consider the holistic well-being of individuals and communities as a crucial factor in measuring progress.

 

2. The Bento Box framework:

 

Strickler introduces the Bento Box framework, a mental model for making decisions that takes into account four key dimensions: "Now Me," "Now Us," "Future Me," and "Future Us." By considering the impact of our choices on all four levels, we can make more balanced decisions that align with our broader values and goals.

 

3. Redefining value creation:

 

Strickler challenges the notion that financial value is the primary measure of success and suggests that we should shift our focus to other forms of value creation, such as social impact, community building, and environmental sustainability. He presents examples of companies and individuals who are already operating with this broader definition of value.

 

4. Systems thinking for a better future:

 

Strickler emphasizes the importance of systems thinking and how it can help us navigate complex challenges. He proposes that by taking a more holistic approach to problem-solving and considering the long-term consequences of our actions, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future.

 

Conclusion

This Could Be Our Future by Yancey Strickler offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to create a more sustainable and balanced society. Strickler's Bentoism framework challenges us to reconsider our decision-making processes and prioritize values beyond financial gain. By broadening our perspective and embracing systems thinking, Strickler argues that we can build a future that prioritizes the well-being of individuals and communities, as well as the preservation of our natural resources.

 

This book serves as a call to action for a new way of thinking and decision-making. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in exploring alternative models of value creation and envisioning a future where humanity and the planet thrive together. For further reading on related topics, consider checking out "Doughnut Economics" by Kate Raworth.