In "The Watchman's Rattle," Rebecca Costa embarks on a thought-provoking journey to unravel a conundrum that haunts our modern civilization: why, with all our technological prowess and intellectual resources, do we find ourselves increasingly incapable of solving the critical problems that threaten our very existence? From the ecological brinkmanship of climate change to the labyrinthine complexities of global economic crises and the shadow of terrorism, Costa probes the depths of human cognitive evolution to uncover a startling truth. Our brains, she argues, are racing to catch up with the exponential growth of complexity in our societies, a race that we seem to be losing, leading us into a maze of unsolvable problems and escalating crises. Drawing on a rich tapestry of historical precedent, including the rise and fall of ancient empires like the Maya, Khmer, and Romans, Costa illustrates a chilling pattern: civilizations reach a point of complexity that outstrips their cognitive capabilities, leading to a reliance on simplistic solutions that herald their decline. Yet, "The Watchman's Rattle" is not a clarion call of despair but a beacon of hope. Costa delves into the neuroscience of insight and innovation, suggesting that the key to breaking the deadlock of complexity lies within our grasp. Through engaging narratives and a compelling synthesis of science, history, and sociology, Costa not only diagnoses the malaise afflicting contemporary society but also prescribes a path forward, one that challenges us to harness our innate capacities for creativity and foresight in the service of a more resilient and adaptable civilization.