Family Systems Theory.
Game Theory. (I read the book "The Strategy of Conflict" last year; not any of the newer--or more math-heavy--stuff.)
Marshall McLuhan's & Neil Postman's paradigms in Media Studies ("Understanding Media: the Extensions of Man," "The Media is the Massage," etc.)
Heck, before that, Christianity. (I think most of u guys know my family was atheist, growing up?)
Oh... before most of these but after Christianity... the concept of "Boundaries."
These are paradigms that rocked my world. Anyone else?
"People without hope not only don't write novels, but what is more to the point, they don't read them.
They don't take long looks at anything, because they lack the courage.
The way to despair is to refuse to have any kind of experience, and the novel, of course, is a way to have experience."
-Flannery O'Connor
"In spite of much that militates against quietness there are people who still read books. They are the people who keep me going."
-Elisabeth Elliot, Preface, "A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael"
I have a reverse of Christianity (I grew up Catholic - inherited it I suppose - and became an atheist during my teens). I'd love to have a respectful conversation about how you became Christian Linna, either here or on the Close.