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Charles Johnston MD

About

Charles M. Johnston, MD, is a psychiatrist, writer, and futurist. He is best known as the originator of Creative Systems Theory, a comprehensive framework for understanding change, purpose, and interrelationship in human systems and as director of the Institute for Creative Development, a Seattle-based think tank and center for advanced leadership training. Dr. Johnston is the author of numerous books and articles on the future and how we can best prepare to meet it. His most recent book, Insight: Creative Systems Theory’s Radical New Picture of Human Possibility highlights what is most original and significant in the theory’s thinking. On the Evolution of Intimacy and Perspective and Guidance for a Time of Deep Discord address some of today's most timely questions. His lengthy book Creative Systems Theory provides an in-depth look at the new leadership capacities that the future will require for a professional audience.

Books by Charles Johnston MD
Recent Posts
Is Religion Failing Us?
Faith and its opposite are failing to provide answers in today’s world. The antidote may be easier than we think.
Why the Future of Humanity Requires a Leap In Understanding

Understanding ourselves and our worlds in ways that can serve us going forward will require a fundamental rethinking of who we are and what matters.

Understanding ourselves and our worlds in ways that can serve us going forward will require a fundamental rethinking of who we are and what matters.

Transitional Absurdity: A Developmental Notion That Offers Hope

It is essential that we acknowledge the craziness of much of what we encounter today, and that we have ways of understanding that craziness that can guide us going forward.

It is essential that we acknowledge the craziness of much of what we encounter today, and that we have ways of understanding that craziness that can guide us going forward.

The Critical Importance of Positive Images for the Future

Cynicism today has become close to the norm. But positive images for the future will be critical if we are to effectively make our way. Here is one to consider.

Cynicism today has become close to the norm. But positive images for the future will be critical if we are to effectively make our way. Here is one to consider.

Fresh Perspective for the Science Vs. Religion Debate

Today we are beginning to sense that thinking in larger ways about science and religion might be an option. Framing understanding creatively provides a provocative way to do so.

Today we are beginning to sense that thinking in larger ways about science and religion might be an option. Framing understanding creatively provides a provocative way to do so.

Today’s Epidemic of Hopelessness

Trends over the last 30 years do not bode well for the future of our psychological health and for the general well-being of the species.

Trends over the last 30 years do not bode well for the future of our psychological health and for the general well-being of the species.

Missing Pieces in the Gender Identity Conversation

We need to bring big picture, systemic perspective to our understanding of gender if we are not to end up with simplistic conclusions.

We need to bring big picture, systemic perspective to our understanding of gender if we are not to end up with simplistic conclusions.