John Clippinger, one of today’s preeminent experts on how technology influences business and society, offers a fresh and provocative perspective, grounded in everyday and historical examples, that presents a vision for a new scientific understanding of human nature and identity. In A CROWD OF ONE, Clippinger takes us through the historical origins of identity and the way it is influencing—and being influenced by—today’s world. He examines origin narratives from around the world and the religious underpinnings of many people’s identities, and explores the competing theories of human nature developed by Hobbes, Adam Smith, and some of the other leading philosophical minds throughout history. His conclusions will have profound implications for everything from social networking and virtual worlds, to leadership strategies in business and technology, to the structure of today’s military operations around the world.