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The Rules of Contagion

Why Things Spread - and Why They Stop

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The Rules of Contagion

By: Adam Kucharski
Narrated by: Joe Jameson
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About this listen

Why do some ideas take off - and others fail to spread? Why are some diseases predictable and others swamped in uncertainty? And what about the outbreaks that never happen at all?

We live in a world that's more connected than ever before. But even as we see our lives being shaped by the spread of ideas, trends - and even diseases - we sometimes struggle to grasp how it actually works. Outbreaks seem to be driven by randomness and hidden laws, and in order to understand them, we need to start thinking like mathematicians.

Here, epidemiologist Adam Kucharski reveals how new mathematical approaches are transforming what we know about contagion - from the revolutionary initiatives that helped tackle gun violence in Chicago to the truth behind the spread of fake news. And along the way, he'll explain how innovations and emotions can spread through our friendship networks, what STDs can tell us about banking and why some outbreak predictions go badly wrong.

©2020 Adam Kucharski (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK
Biological Sciences Physics
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What listeners say about The Rules of Contagion

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The only thing missing is the word COVID19

I read this book in April 2020, 3 weeks into the UK’s lockdown. While fellow professionals of Kucharski might find fault (that’s what they do), I found this book not just revealing but almost prophetic. For epidemiologist there’s little to learn I would imagine but for a regular Joe Bloggs, this book was accessible, explaining in an accessible way without being patronising. It’s also me me angry that such knowledge exists but that governments all over the world, have fallen short in their preparations.

I’m so glad

I’ll definitely listen to it again.

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5 people found this helpful

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How topical

This book gives a fascinating insight into many different forms of contagion, not just obvious.
It’s well structured and presented.
And most topical....

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2 people found this helpful

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ABSOLUTELY TIMELY AND WORTHY

Listened at a time when Corona Virus has become a global pandemic, the lessons are vital mostly at this time and the knowledge in dealing with every other form of Contagion including the Social media.
Awesome work and yes I will listen again to fully grasp and internalise the most vital information from the book.
Second listen done! I will be back.

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8 people found this helpful

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Timely reading/listening

Well researched and excellently connecting the various subject areas where 'contagion' occurs, that parallel infectious disease outbreaks and the value of statistical data modelling.

A book where a hard copy would also be beneficial to refer back to.

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1 person found this helpful

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Very accessible

Very well written and read book charting a history of how we got here with study of contagion and it’s applications outside of disease. A great way to understand better some of the science now in every day use with COVID-19.

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Its brilliantly not what you think,

Its brilliantly not what you think, but given recent times it offers a better understanding of the maths/science behind the model 'R' and its relevance in other world crisis's

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A timely book

Incredibly thorough and would definitely recommend. From not just disease but to crime and social media use, contagion modelling has never been more important

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a great listen in the topic that is well informed

well researched and portrayed stories of contagion and viruses across many domains. easy listen and educational. will buy future Kucharski books.

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Brilliant book explaining the maths of contagion

Talk about perfect timing this book from Feb 2020 is one of the best books out there to understand covid and other viral phenomena like gang violence, social media post and political interference. must read to understand the viral effects all around us.

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Written just before and published just as COVID-19, scarily accurate

If only the people that govern countries around the world had read this in January 2020, the scale of harm and destruction brought by and through COVID-19, may have been much less. It is essential reading for everyone, and especially government ministers and civil servants.

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