Any group of people expected to work synergistically needs a system that structures their interactions. That system is “governance.” The Pragmatist’s Guide to Governance takes a first principles approach to exploring the ways governance structures affect the humans living under them (and vice versa), with a special focus on how human psychology interacts with the structures that facilitate our interaction with other people.

Originally written as a thought experiment in forming a family office that won’t ultimately fizzle out, incite inter-family conflict, or undermine descendants, this book explores governing structures ranging from states to religions, online forums, middle school cliques, and family units.