The Lessons That Catastrophes Teach Us and Why Our Future Depends on It
Every catastrophe leaves behind a blueprint. The Blessings of Disaster shows how those who use it can build a more resilient future.
Are we doomed? As individuals, certainly, eventually, inevitably. But as a species? As a civilization? Leading catastrophe engineer Michel Bruneau thinks perhaps not. This entertaining and often counter-intuitive book draws on knowledge from multiple disciplines to illustrate how our civilization's future successes and failures in dealing with societal threats — be they pandemics, climate change, overpopulation, monetary collapse, and nuclear holocaust — can be predicted by observing how we currently cope with and react to natural and technological disasters. Maybe most importantly, it shows how we can think in better ways about disasters, to strengthen and extend our existence as both individuals and as a species.
When it comes to rare extreme events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornados, volcanic eruptions, technological accidents, terrorist attacks, pandemics, and even existential threats, it is in our nature to set ourselves up for disasters because the gamble may be worth it. But only maybe…
"An engrossing study of human complacency, myopia, and faulty risk perception on a grand scale."
"With humor and great wisdom, Bruneau takes us on what turns out to be a hopeful journey."
"An entertaining and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny tour of a deadly serious topic."
"Engineer Bruneau delivers a hair-raising survey of 'low-probability high-consequence' events — earthquakes, hurricanes, pandemics, nuclear war — along with fascinating insights into the effects of disasters, and why humans are generally so poorly prepared to deal with them. People continue living beside volcanoes and in flood zones, he notes, while governments often delay infrastructure and building-code upgrades. 'It typically takes a disaster to trigger actions leading to major changes in how the world prepares for and deals with extreme events,' Bruneau writes. As for the future, the author encourages readers to approach his predictions with a 'reasonable dose of skepticism': as climate change worsens, the population continues to grow, and resources become more scarce, 'many players will have a nuclear arsenal at hand and will not hesitate to use it, defensively or offensively.' Bruneau has an easy hand with cutting humor ('As for those brilliant minds who suggested that tornadoes could be killed using nuclear bombs to defuse their energy, a sarcastic slow clap is the only possible response'), and some of the scenarios gamed out will keep readers up at night. The result is an engrossing study of human complacency, myopia, and faulty risk perception on a grand scale."
"Michel Bruneau is a master of disaster! Drawing on his decades of expertise in delving into the mysteries of mayhem, The Blessings of Disaster makes the unthinkable thinkable. With humor and great wisdom, Bruneau takes us on what turns out to be a hopeful journey to confront a reality that we too often deny; disasters are neither rare nor unknowable. Along the way he empowers us to do what we must do; to think anew and act anew in face of naturally-occurring and human-made hazards. Bruneau reminds us that while we cannot prevent earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and much more from happening, we are not powerless in mitigating their consequences. He shows us that by confronting head-on what has always frighten so many of us, we can become less afraid about the prospect and necessity of building a more resilient world."
"The central theme of Michel Bruneau's book, The Blessings of Disaster, is that 'it takes a disaster to change life for the better'. He approaches his theme with wry, witty (sometimes sarcastic) discussions of earthquake, wind, volcanic, tsunamis, climate, population, and nuclear disasters. His analogies to explain complex concepts and interesting asides to basic facts add to the readability for both technical and non-technical readers. The book weaves the effects of politics and forms of government into how humans react to and prepare for disasters with speculation on several scenarios for the future. The Blessings of Disaster is an enjoyable, yet educational read and a good rant on how we approach the safety of our infrastructure."
"The Blessing of Disaster by Michel Bruneau is a must read, touching the lives of everyone! It turns the broad subject of natural and anthropogenic hazards into exciting and delightful lessons for us all, for the benefit of all. The book is thought-provoking and factual, blending eloquently the physical phenomena behind hazards with human traits and psychology in response to hazards, and lack thereof that may turn them into disasters; a lesson for us all to learn. The author uses his technical expertise on earthquake engineering, blending it impeccably with other types of natural and human-induced hazards while bringing personal anecdotes, sprinkled with his wit, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The author skillfully weaves through a range of disasters, ranging from earthquakes, volcanos, tsunamis, extreme weather events all the way through to those caused by technological hazards, ill-intended acts of terror, financial disasters, pandemics, climate change, and potential nuclear holocaust. Exposing remarkable similarities in the way we react to them, sure to spike your curiosity. The book will make you think differently about the way you react to disasters, or even better, act proactively to lessen their impacts. It will be read for a long time, benefitting its readers, and potentially enlightening policy makers. This book is a gem to keep in your library. An exciting and engaging book for all!"
"In this era of climatic changes, pandemic, and accelerating natural disasters this book is a fascinating story, from antiquity to modern times, on how theological, economical, political, and technological considerations conditioned human mind reactions and adaptation to 'earthquake' type of events, past, present, and future. Amazingly written with perspicacity, candor, and humor, with several references about everyday life, this book will tell you how not to be fooled by shoddy statistical reasoning while improving your insight to face the probability, in fact the certainty, of the next 'Big One.'"
#8 in TOP TEN "Best books of 2022: Nonfiction": "It's an odd but perhaps fittingly paradoxical thing when a book that hinges on tragic disasters manages to be uplifting, but somehow Michel Bruneau manages to pull it off. In these pages he looks at a wide array of catastrophes, everything from earthquake to floods to hurricane superstorms, and instead of dwelling on the climate conditions and human short-sightedness that facilitated many of those disasters, he concentrates instead on what these crises can teach us about adapting for the future, even if the future is dark."
Michel Bruneau's book exhibits an ability to move beyond obvious disaster scenarios to consider outcomes more far-reaching and enlightening than the usual disaster movie, book, or scenario would envision. (…) The mentality in engineering philosophy is examined, its incarnation in the world considered, and the human component of creating or managing disasters is astutely presented in an astute blend of unexpected wry humor, unerring analysis, and thought-provoking presentations of engineers and scientists who work hand-in-hand to address disaster scenarios and outcomes. Surprisingly, the ultimate effect of The Blessings of Disaster is to offer hope and new considerations of the ultimate world-changing effects of disaster management. Libraries and readers interested in considering these perspectives in a lively history of hot spots and lethal subjects will find that The Blessings of Disaster offers plenty of solid science, engineering, and food for thought and debate.
"Bruneau has tucked serious and rather involved ideas about risk, engineering, safety and society, as well as life in general, into a book that is also entertaining. He writes poignantly of the contradictions of a technologically advanced civilization with building codes that aim for life preservation but not the property resilience needed to prosper after a catastrophe. (…) I'm grateful to Bruneau for confronting the cultural and spiritual complications of catastrophe without tedious proselytizing. Although it can be undermined by human error, engineering is a rational discipline, as I see it, but it is a small planet that lives in a galaxy of human irrationality. The blessings of disasters are harsh lessons that show much, I'm afraid, about our own capacity for folly."
"The Blessings of Disaster is not only a book that engineers will enjoy reading, it is also a book that engineering firms might consider giving to all their clients. (…) According to the first canon of engineering codes of ethics worldwide, engineers shall hold paramount the health, safety and welfare of the public. However, when it comes to extreme events, this sometimes seems like protecting the public against something it does not know exists. Rare are the clients who ask what level of protection they should purchase against extreme events. Everyday functionality is the priority, and understandably so, but not every day is a sunny day. A more knowledgeable public is a more resilient public, and the book goes to work here. (…) In short, The Blessings of Disaster is a must read by all — engineers and non-engineers alike — as it is a story of our relationship with disaster."
"The Blessings of Disaster is an interesting and unique read: informative and well versed in research across many different knowledge areas but very often breezily informal and deliberately humorous in tone. But never at the expense of Bruneau's realism; he has written a work that he hopes people will learn from — but, by his own admissions, knows they probably won't."
"Michel Bruneau shows how our societies often take one step forward — discovering ways to make structures more resilient to earthquakes and hurricanes, for example — while taking two steps back — not requiring such upgrades in building codes. Despite his own extensive record of highly cited and highly technical peer-reviewed engineering publications, this book is free from jargon, equations, and tables of numbers. It uses a jaunty style alongside personal anecdotes to illustrate core arguments throughout, setting up a quite readable (and sometimes funny) narrative. (…) The monograph's power comes from Bruneau's exhaustive knowledge of policy and engineering. (…) This book provides a readable, deeply informed window into the reasons why we cycle through disaster after disaster with little meaningful transformation of our regulations or our risk reduction strategies."
"Michel Bruneau is a bit of a character. I imagine his lectures on earthquake engineering, on which he is a specialist, must have been fun. He writes as most of us speak, with fluency and engagement. He is happy to quip, just to be sure the reader has not fallen asleep. (…) What Michel Bruneau exposes in considerable detail, but with delightfully lucid prose and plenty of twinkle in his eyes, are the ever-present failures of learning and unlearning. (…) A treatise on triumph and tragedy. It is a great read. (…) You will learn a lot about yourself and your fellow humans in the process."
"Bruneau describes the self-delusionary misinterpretation of statistics that people regularly apply to personal disaster risk when it conflicts with personal locational preference (…) Humans have demonstrated an ability to grapple with challenges and muddle through with a combination of successes and failures while maintaining a positive slope in the path of progress. 'The Blessings of Disaster' can definitely be a useful guide for such muddling."
"This is not a book of hard science. It incorporates many sociological factors such as human behavior, history, politics, risk, and even economics in the analysis making it accessible to readers of many backgrounds and interests. (…) I highly recommend all emergency managers and emergency management students read this book. You will gain a better understanding of the sociological factors influencing human behaviors that turn hazards into disasters and maybe a few techniques to help change those behaviors for the better making for more resilient and safer communities everywhere."
"Bruneau writes with wit, irony, and well-crafted figures of speech. It is a book from which one can enjoyably learn about aspects of the hazards that will not be found in a textbook or journal paper, and it is quite readable by the non-engineer or non-scientist. Bruneau's thesis is summarized in a conclusion that echoes the title of the book. The situation is not hopeless: we can learn from disasters to make them less disastrous. (…) As in radio or TV broadcasts of sports events, this book is 'color commentary' rather than 'play-by-play' reporting. Because it deals with how individuals and society deal with hazards, it can be used as an additional source for students to read (…), but the usual technical terminology and academic tone in the literature (…) are absent."
"Important Transferrable Leadership Lessons For Every Probable Disaster: A compelling, insightful, thought-provoking, yet entertaining book, as the author shows the ability to combine well-researched facts with his unique sense of humour. And I often refer to the chapter 'Truth and Lies about Resilience' to my clients in executive & leadership positions in global, fast-paced corporate & entrepreneurial environments who carry lots of responsibility. Because of the transferrable leadership lessons and a different perspective, it can bring to their perception of resilience, which has become an overused buzzword during the last few years. Even not having a background in structural engineering, I love the idea of attending a lecture by Professor Bruneau."
"He explores the mysteries of mayhem and causes of catastrophes in a light, approachable and fluent style of writing. Bruneau's arguments are frequently entertaining and often counter-intuitive. (…) An interesting, informative and well researched book. It is thought-provoking and factual, blending eloquently the physical phenomena behind hazards with human traits and psychology in response to hazards, and lack thereof that may turn them into disasters; a lesson for us all to learn. It is relevant for those interested and those involved in disaster management, design safety, safety engineering and the study natural catastrophe. If you wish to learn more about the challenges associated with disaster mitigation and management, and what these topics can teach us. It is an enjoyable, yet educational read."
"The Blessings of Disaster: The Lessons That Catastrophes Teach Us and Why Our Future Depends on It provides an excellent overview of the complexities of disaster preparedness, what lessons are learned and implemented, and how societies can guide their response (…) written in an accessible manner."
"Insightful, and surprisingly playful (…) If you are interested in learning more about the global, historical, and sometimes humorous challenges of preventing or mitigating disasters, I highly recommend this entertaining read!"
"I loved this book. Dr. Bruneau explains the science/engineering very well, in plain language and with a conversational tone. Aside from the fascinating topic that Bruneau brings to life, I loved the writing style, so much so that it was hard to put the book down. Even the preface is worth reading. I really felt that he was talking to me over a cup of coffee. Bruneau also uses a great deal of humor, with some laugh-out-loud moments. The debunking Bruneau does is excellent. Overall this is a great book."
"This is a wonderful book that everyone who is interested in earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, floods, etc. must read. The author relays the facts but also writes in a jocular tone that makes his book fun to read. (…) My overall recommendation is an unqualified thumbs up!"
"A book that is both depressing, and yet hopeful. (…) The book is very well written, much more conversational than a book on both policy and engineering should be, which is great. Anything that needs a better explanation is offered, and Bruneau has a very good sense of humor, which does help lighten the mood. The author has really seen people at the worst, and seen the worst that can happen to people. And yet he remains hopeful that we can change, that people can learn and adjust for problems in the future. (…) Michel Bruneau's accounts of what he has seen are quite fascinating, and his ideas and thoughts are quite good, and worth debating. A book that could literally save lives, but one I don't know if people have the courage to follow up on."
"You know that the reader is in for an interesting ride just by the title. How can disaster be a blessing? In a thought provoking, well written and convincing way, the author takes us through the world of disasters (…) The books has a lot of humour in it which does not water down the message."
"Highly recommended"
"A thought-provoking and uplifting read that challenges us to reframe our understanding of disasters. (…) This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to find hope and inspiration in the face of adversity."
"I enjoyed The Blessings of Disaster very much. I hope the book will be read by many, especially by decision makers. The book is very timely, as society is facing up to some essential changes."
"I love the sense of humor, turn of phrase, and true understanding of human nature with respect to disasters and change. It was such a delight to read. I have been recommending it to everyone I talk to."
"I thoroughly enjoyed it. As well as being eminently readable, the book explains very clearly what the risks in life are and what can be done about them — and it predicts what probably will be done. It should be read by everyone, including engineers. The Blessings of Disaster is evidently a thought provoking publication. Thanks for creating it."
"I enjoyed reading it. Reading through the wide range of topics, the historical references and philosophical comments brought to mind a Freshman class in the Humanities. Our Professor attempted to teach engineering students the Greek concept of 'Arete' and found very little interest. You are to be congratulated for being an Arete."
"J'ai dévoré The blessings of disaster. Quel travail de recherche accompli avec brio! Merveilleusement bien écrit. Beaucoup d'humour bien placé. Bravo!"
(Approximate translation: "I devoured The blessings of disaster. What a brilliantly accomplished piece of research! Wonderfully well written. Lots of well-placed humor. Bravo!")
"A masterpiece crafted in an accessible, non-technical language brimming with wit and irony. (…) This book is an invaluable investment for anyone seeking to broaden their knowledge of various disasters that may impact our lives. I wholeheartedly recommend it as a compelling and enlightening read."
"Un des livres les plus captivants que j'ai pu lire dans les dernières années." (Translation: "One of the most captivating books I have read in recent years.")
"A strident call to humanity to wake up, be prepared, and take action. (…) A valuable tool in creating public awareness. (…) Highly recommended for those who are concerned about our future."
"A masterpiece"
"I started reading this book a few weeks ago — having no intention of reading more than a couple of pages — just to see if it was worth buying. I ended up buying the Kindle version on the spot and later had to forcibly put it down or I would never get any work done! For a self-professed Disaster narrative, it's remarkably entertaining, while being very informative and often pretty thought provoking. Highly recommended."
"A first class guided tour on the multitude of disasters that exist, or could exist, on our beloved Earth. (…) The book is rigorously written, as evidenced by the extensive list of citations at the back, but at the same time, it remains accessible to everyone. I was reading this book at the same time I was reading Richard Feynman 'Surely you're joking Mr. Feynman' and I can't help but notice that both books have similar vibes, presenting deep insight in a humorous and enjoyable way for all. (…) After reading this book, you'll be interested in buying Bruneau biography, which, unfortunately, has not yet been written yet."
"Professor Bruneau is a master on communicating resilience to the community! This book is a very valuable psalm for all of those who have to preach the Gospel of Seismic Resilience (or anyone on the field of Community Resilience)! Amen Professor Bruneau!"
Michel Bruneau is a SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at the University at Buffalo, a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and Emeritus Director of an NSF-funded Earthquake Engineering Center focused on enhancing the disaster resilience of communities.
He has spent more than three decades developing engineering strategies to enhance the disaster resilience of infrastructure. His extensive body of research has been instrumental to the inclusion, in national and international standards, of specifications for multiple innovative structural systems, leading to implementation in countless structures worldwide.
Dr. Bruneau has authored or co-authored over 550 technical publications, including more than 180 peer-reviewed journal papers. He is the lead author of the widely used 900-page textbook Ductile Design of Steel Structures, and lead author of the 2003 seminal paper that formulated the concept of disaster resilience now at the foundation of most research on the topic. He has received more than 20 prestigious awards for his innovative work, including a lifetime achievement award from the American Institute of Steel Construction.
He has conducted numerous reconnaissance visits to disaster-stricken areas, serves on many professional and technical code-writing committees, and has participated in expert peer review panels worldwide. The Blessings of Disaster is his book for a general audience — because an informed public is a necessary condition for a resilient society.
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