Edgar J. Ridley in Penang, Malaysia
New York, NY — Today’s domestic and global conflicts have continuing threads that underlie them, not the least of which are issues over religion and race. These issues are informed by one enduring ingredient: symbolism.International management consultant Edgar J. Ridley has continued his groundbreaking study examining the impact of symbols on human behavior. With the publication of his new work, The Golden Apple: Changing the Structure of Civilization – Volume 2, Ridley provides the reader with “Evidence of Symptomatic Behavior”, as per his subtitle. As noted in the Foreword, “Edgar Ridley’s seminal book confronts the denial of historical elements within our society and the symbolic thinking that results in racism, religious wars, and corporate divisiveness.”
For more than three decades, Ridley, a global consultant has taught clients that a multidisciplinary approach is essential to accomplishing a mindset change for optimum competitiveness. A renowned expert on the impact of symbolism and symbolic behavior, Ridley, views the decision-making processes of managers from an entirely different angle, stating that “Most people do not understand how symbolism is used to mythologize history and manipulate behavior. In order to be creative and innovative in the midst of a war zone, actors within organizations must be mindful of the impact imposed by symbolic thinking, typically exhibited through religious and racial prejudices.” Ridley concludes that “in order to unleash creativity and innovation, a symbolic thought process must be replaced by a Symptomatic Thought Process.™
Ridley brilliantly points out that magical thinking has permeated the national consciousness, influencing behaviors that defy rational interpretation. Says Ridley, “Today’s populations do not have a real understanding of the function of symptoms and symbols. All too often, we say, to ourselves and in public pronouncements, that this or that is only a symbol, and that this or that is not real because it is symbolic. We make comments about symbolism, not realizing that the vast majority of the world’s populations engage in symbolic behavior. From practicing the religion of their preference to engaging in the pedagogical drama that our present educational institutions give us, the rites practiced every day from life to death are indeed symbolic. Additionally, the importance of symbols that are given by experts in various academic disciplines are factually wrong and misguided. So there is a misunderstanding of symbols from both sides of the aisle, by both the informed and the uninformed. That causes the vast majority of the population in the world to be in a state of confusion. Symbols and the symbolic cause confusion.”
What People Have to Say About Edgar Ridley’s Work:
“Edgar Ridley’s argument that certain symbols have historically—and even contemporaneously—been used or misused to advance causes inimical to society, for example, racist or religious bigotry, is one that should elicit deep reflection and prompt public policies that foster economic and political inclusivity in an era of globalization. His emphatic preference for symptomatic behavior as a tool for promoting greater harmony is consistent with efforts to promote regional stability and global peace and security.” — Ejeviome Eloho Otobo, formerly Director and Deputy Head of the Peacebuilding Support Office at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, is currently Non-Resident Senior Expert for Peacebuilding and Global Economic Policy at the Global Governance Institute, Brussels.
“I am very interested in Edgar Ridley’s concept for innovation that in order to be productive and initiate effective behavior patterns, the neurological processes of the brain have to forego symbolic thought so that a symptomatic thought process can be the dominating engine of all human activity and behavior. I believe that the fundamental theme throughout Ridley’s presentation of the need for managers to make decisions void of symbolism is really effective on innovation. I read his book entitled “The Golden Apple”, and the details of the presentation is covered by this book. I would like to ask the author to introduce this book when he gives a presentation in the APO seminar again.” — Eriko Katashiro, Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo, Japan
Edgar J. Ridley is Chairman of his own international consulting firm, Edgar J. Ridley & Associates, with offices in New York, and worldwide affiliates. He heads a multidisciplinary team of organizational behavior and development specialists to help corporations and governments develop more efficient operations. The firm serves as industrial advisor to corporations and governments throughout Asia and Africa. For more details, visit www.edgarjridley.com
To order The Golden Apple, Volume 2:
Africa World Press Books, Inc.
609-695-3200
kchecole@awprsp.com
www.africaworldpressbooks.com or Amazon.com
PRESS CONTACT:
Edgar J. Ridley & Associates, Inc.
212-316-9163
ridley@att.net