Between the Covers

The Human Network: Unveiling Society's Hidden Connections


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This book, Human Networks, explores how understanding the world through the lens of networks can help individuals overcome limitations. It posits that networkization is the fundamental encoding of human society, evolving from isolated individuals to complex connections like tribes, villages, cities, and nations. The text then unpacks how this network structure shapes societal rules by examining points, lines, and networks. It highlights the influence of supernodes (nodes with many connections) and introduces four types of centrality—degree, eigenvector, closeness, and betweenness—to assess the value and impact of connections. Finally, it discusses the principle of "centrality begets centrality," where established nodes attract more connections, and explains how "structural holes" offer opportunities for new entrants to gain influence by bridging unconnected networks.

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Between the CoversBy Erick W